St. Petersburg toddler hit, killed while playing in yard

A toddler was hit and killed while playing in a yard in St. Petersburg on Thursday evening.

According to reports, 27-year-old Robert Schmidt, of Seminole, was exiting the yard of 7181 49th Avenue North when he failed to see 2-year-old Ava Ippolito near his 1998 Ford SUV.

As Schmidt, who is a family friend, backed out of the yard his vehicle collided with Ippolito, troopers said.

The toddler was seriously injured and taken to Bayfront Hopsital where she later died from her injuries.

Ippolito's father was in the front yard at the time of the incident.

Charges are pending.