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PROVO — An 18-month-old girl was hit and killed when her father moved a trailer near their home in Provo.
Lt. Matthew Siufanua of the Provo Police Department said a man called 911 around 8:15 p.m. Thursday and said he had accidentally run over his daughter, Eliza L. Scofield.
"Our dispatchers described him as very distraught and emotional," Siufanua said.
A trailer filled with concrete and dirt was parked on the side of the home near 300 South and 400 East. The man drove forward in the vehicle attached to the trailer and thought he had hit a rock, but instead had hit the child.
"The father actually got into the car and started to move forward," Siufanua said. "As he moved forward, he did state that he thought he felt a bump."
The toddler's mother found her behind the trailer after it had pulled forward over her. Police say the little girl was crushed by the weight of the cement filled trailer and died on scene.
They say what happened to her is a tragic accident and no one is to blame. It appears no criminal charges will be filed.
"Anybody with children, like myself, know our kids move and they move quickly," Siufanua said. "And sometimes we don't always know where they're at, and in this case, that's what happened."
Residents in the neighborhood are heartbroken for the family.
"I can't imagine how they are feeling right now," said neighbor Kanani Horito. "It makes me realize, again, I need to really check all around before I drive away."
An account has been set up under the name "Eliza L. Scofield Donation Account" at Zion's Bank. If anyone has donations for the family or for the funeral that are not financial in nature, contact Brittany Scott at 909-234-4214.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
