A mother and her children out for a walk near their home. A distracted driver losing control of his car.
A tragic situation that changed a family forever unfolded Friday afternoon in Brooksville, and its ending is still uncertain.
FHP investigators say Lacey Thomas and her three kids - ages one, three and six - were walking along Neff Lake Road when a car struck Lacey and the two youngest children.
The three year old, Ava, passed away Saturday. Lacey and Spencer, the other child, are still in serious condition.
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Adam Buckner and Rita Jones are family friends.
"We are right across the street," said family friend Adam Jones, referring to himself and neighbor Rita Jones. "There is not much we can do, but we are here for them."
"They are getting through it, but I don't know how you could deal with something like that," said Jones. "The blink of an eye something can happen. It's horrible."
Jones says Lacey was pulling two of the kids in a wagon.
"She is such a protective mom and everything with her kids," said Jones. "It's crazy and there was nothing she could do to prevent it."
Investigators also say the driver of the car, William Cameron Perkins, 26, told them he dropped a cigarette and became distracted. Perkins was arrested Friday for driving on a suspended license and causing serious injury. Troopers say the charges could change, pending the outcome of the investigation.
We spoke with Perkins's mother and she says her thoughts and prayers are with the family.
"It's tragic," Buckner said. "All we can do it pray and keep our heads up."
Other family friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical and funeral costs. Those wishing to donate please visit https://www.gofundme.com/rpx45rd8.
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