4-Year-Old Fatally Struck by Car at Georgia Mall Parking Lot: ‘God Called Her Home’

A family in Georgia is mourning the loss of their 4-year-old after she was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. 

According to a press release shared by the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Facebook account on Monday, three pedestrians were struck by a pickup truck while crossing Mall of Georgia Drive in Buford.

4-year-old Abigail Hernandez was critically injured and transported to Scottish Rite, where she died of her injuries, per the release. Her 31-year-old father and 7-year-old sister were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Lauren Paz, who identifies herself as the aunt of the victim, started a Gofundme account for her “sister-in-law, Marina.”

After sharing a photo of Abigail, Paz explained that “On 3/10/24 [Marina’s] daughters and their dad were the victims of a tragic accident and as a result of that - our sweet little Abby girl passed away.”

“She fought her best to stay but ultimately God called her home. Unimaginable is the only word I have to describe this,” she continued. 

Paz said that the GoFundMe, which is set up to reach a monetary goal of $40,000, is because “there will be a lot of unexpected expenses and my hope is this will be a way to lessen Marina's financial burden as she lives through every parents worst nightmare.”

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After thanking donors for their “love and support during this time,” she reposted the same message in Spanish. 

Max Ortiz, the top donor with $2,000, shared a message in the comment section.

“No parent should go through this,” he wrote.

Several photos shared on the GoFundMe account showed Abigail smiling. In one, she seemed to be joined by her mother and sister, and the trio looked happy. 

The press release did not name the driver, but confirmed that they were 18 years old, and was operating a 2004 white Chevrolet Silverado at the time of the incident. The family had been crossing in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Von Maur and walking east towards the parking lot. They were struck when the truck was turning left onto Mall of Georgia Drive. 

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the driver’s vehicle was impounded at the Gwinnett County Police Department headquarters for further investigation. 

Witnesses are encouraged to call or email GCPD Investigators with any helpful information at pdaccidentinvestigationunit@gwinnettcounty.com or 678.442.5653. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.