– Polk County family mourns tragic loss of young girl following suspected DUI crash
– Family in Polk County devastated by loss of 5-year-old girl in suspected DUI accident.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Tragic Loss in Polk County: Family Mourns Five-Year-Old Girl Killed in Suspected DUI Crash**
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a family in Polk County is facing the unimaginable loss of a five-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short after a suspected deadly DUI crash. The incident has left the community reeling with shock and sadness, as they come to terms with the devastating consequences of reckless driving.
The phone call that David Nichols received in the early hours of Friday morning changed his life forever. “I started crying because I knew my Maddie was gone,” Nichols tearfully recalled. “And I’ve been crying ever since because it’s just senseless.”
The tragic events unfolded just after midnight when first responders were called to a crash on 42nd Street NW in Auburndale. The young victim, Madeline Nichols, was found dead at the scene. She was travelling in a Dodge caravan with her mother, 32-year-old Jacqueline Nichols, and 33-year-old Justin Jones.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the driver responsible for the crash, 24-year-old Robert Harrison, was treated and released from the hospital before being arrested. He now faces charges including DUI manslaughter. Sheriff Grady Judd explained, “He was northbound, and as he was traveling on 42nd Street, he crossed over a double yellow line into the southbound lanes and struck a black caravan head-on.”
Madeline, affectionately known as Maddie, was described by her grandfather, David Nichols, as his “little buddy.” He shared fond memories of their time together, where they would frequent parks, enjoy ice cream treats, and have countless adventures. “She was my whole world,” Nichols expressed with a heavy heart.
The young girl, often captured with an ice cream cone in hand, was eagerly looking forward to starting school. “Kindergarten roundup was next week. That would’ve been the first time she’d ever been to school, so she never even got the chance to even go one day to school,” Nichols lamented.
Madeline’s mother suffered head trauma and internal bleeding, while Jones sustained head trauma and multiple spinal fractures. Nichols revealed that Maddie’s mother is expected to recover, while Jones awaits surgery. Amidst the sorrow and questioning, Nichols pleaded with the driver, asking, “Why did you do this? Why did you drive drunk when there’s Ubers and taxis and tow trucks that will take you wherever you want to go? Just why?”
Despite the immense grief and loss, the family holds onto the memories of the little girl whose short life left a lasting impact. “We had a lot of fun together, and now, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Nichols shared. “My world just ended.”
As the community mourns the loss of Madeline Nichols, they stand together in solidarity against the dangers of driving under the influence, advocating for safety and responsibility on the roads. The memory of Maddie will forever remain in their hearts, a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones..
– Polk County family grieves loss of-year-old girl after suspected DUI crash
– Polk County family mourns tragic loss of-year-old girl in suspected DUI crash.
