A two-year-old boy walking with his parents in the Yukon Chick-fil-A parking lot was hit by a vehicle and killed shortly before lunch Saturday, Aug. 5 at 1724 Garth Brooks Blvd.
About 11:50 a.m., Yukon police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to an emergency call about a child being struck in the restaurant’s drive-thru.
The child was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital where he died. The victim has been identified as Ismael Perez.
The restaurant was closed the rest of the day Saturday, reopening for business Monday morning.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred outside of our restaurant on Saturday,” Yukon Chick-fil-A owner/operator Chad Gerlt said in a prepared statement.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. We are assisting authorities with their investigation.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser was started to help with funeral costs, and nearly $20,000 had been raised as of Tuesday.
“Anything would help my sister and my brother-in-law as they have to go through something no parents should ever go through,” according to a GoFundMe post by Casandra Borjas, organizer of the fundraiser.
The child was struck “after a vehicle collision in the parking lot,” Yukon Police reported.
“The Yukon Police would like to extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family during this heartbreaking time,” according to a news release from Deputy Chief John Brown. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we offer our full support to help them through this difficult period.
“As part of the investigation, the driver of the vehicle involved will be interviewed to gather further information. Any witnesses or individuals with additional information regarding the collision are encouraged to contact the Yukon Police by phone at 405-354-2553 with any relevant details.”
The City of Yukon posted Saturday afternoon on its Facebook page, “Our hearts are breaking alongside our community. Please keep this family and everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”
Yukon Mayor Shelli Selby also posted on Facebook, “My heart is breaking and sending prayers for the family whose child died today at Chick-fil-A. Also praying for the person who hit the child, the Police, Fire and EMT’s who worked the scene. Such a tragedy for everyone involved.”
