Two Everett parents were struck and killed by a car earlier this week while vacationing in Florida while their 7-year-old daughter was driving, authorities said.
Officers responding to a report of a crash involving a white Toyota Yaris and two pedestrians late Wednesday night at the intersection of South Florida Avenue and Imperial Boulevard in Lakeland found two people injured in the street, Lakeland police said.
The pedestrians were identified as Ronald Jean Baptiste, 54, and Yanique Pierre, 46, both of Everett. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
“They were too young,” said Christine Cummings, a longtime neighbor of the couple. “My heart breaks for those two.”
Cummings told Boston 25 on Saturday that Jean-Baptiste was a local pastor and that Pierre worked at a nearby hair salon.
She also claimed that the couple had three daughters.
“God be with them all,” Cummings said. “They were just wonderful people. They were quiet, and the children were just beautiful and so respectful.”
The couple was crossing the eastbound side of South Florida Avenue in the crosswalk when they were struck by the front of the vehicle.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the driver had a green light at the time of the crash.
According to police, the driver showed no indication of being under the influence. No charges or tickets were filed.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
A GoFundMe has also been set up for the family.
“We are raising money to help Yanique and Ronald Jean Baptiste return to Everett Massachusetts after a tragic accident in Florida that left them dead,” the fundraiser reads. “We are doing this Gofundme in an effort to raise enough money for their three surviving daughters to plan their parents’ funeral and memorial service. Losing both of their parents was an unforeseen tragedy, but with help we can hopefully remember Mr. and Mrs. Baptiste and bring them home to their loved ones.”
The Pioneer Charter School of Science also shared the GoFundMe on Instagram.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that three (two from above and one from below) of our own Panthers lost their loving parents in a tragic accident. They need our help,” the charter school wrote.
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