(BrightPress.org) – Two-year-old Ailahni Sanchez Martinez was enjoying tacos at a table outside of her family’s taco stand in Woodland, California when she was struck and killed by a moving truck.
The truck had been left running and in drive at a gas pump while the driver went inside the store. The driver’s three-year-old child was in the back seat, strapped into a car seat. Once the driver was out of the vehicle, the three-year-old unfastened the car seat restraints and climbed into the driver’s seat. The truck then rolled into the area of the taco stand and struck Ailahni.
Ailahni’s father, Sandro Sanchez, said he heard screaming and ran towards his daughter when he saw what was happening. Sanchez told CBS Sacramento that he opened the door of the truck and pulled the brake, but his daughter had already been hit. Ailahni’s family transported her to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
According to police, everyone involved in the incident has been cooperative, and no arrests have been made nor charges filed at this time. Ailahni’s family says they want justice and are upset that further action has not been taken. Michael Vitiello, a law professor, called the tragedy a “freakish accident” and believes that imprisoning someone would not legally help the family with the loss of their child.
Ailahni’s funeral is on March 27th. She would have turned three years old on April 29th. The family is still planning a birthday celebration in honor of their little girl. Another food truck owned by family members set up operations at the same gas station on Monday, March 18th. All proceeds were donated to Ailahni’s immediate family to assist with funeral expenses.
Rosa Martinez, Ailahni’s mother, said the little girl loved to dance and brought joy to the family. She is survived by her parents and two older brothers.
The incident is still being investigated.
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