In a tragic incident, seven-year-old Hazel Bryant lost her life just days before what was to be a joyful celebration of her eighth birthday. The young girl died after being struck by a vehicle while playing near her home in Auburn, Washington, on May 22. Her parents, Heather and Heath Bryant, recounted the heartbreaking details of the accident and their daughter’s vibrant spirit.
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Hazel was reportedly playing outside when she chased a stream of water down the street. Her father was busy pressure washing their driveway at the time of the incident. Sadly, she was hit by a vehicle reversing out of a nearby driveway. Eyewitness accounts suggest that there was little awareness of the impending danger, as Hazel and the car entered the same space simultaneously, according to her mother, Heather.
Local police have characterised the incident as a tragic accident, explaining, “There does not appear to be any negligence nor impairment; this is not a criminal matter, just a terrible accident.” Heath Bryant was alerted by a neighbour after the collision and immediately began performing CPR on his daughter while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Despite the best efforts of the medical team at Harbourview Medical Centre in Seattle, Hazel succumbed to her injuries two days later.
This heartbreaking event unfolded just a week before Hazel was to celebrate her eighth birthday alongside her twin sister. Friends of the family took to social media to express their grief and offer support. In a poignant message shared on a GoFundMe page established to aid the family, friends Matt and Heather Longhurst stated, “Though the outcome was not the miracle prayed for, those two days were softened by hope, tender moments of faith, small mercies, and divinely bestowed peace.”
Described as a “ray of sunshine,” Hazel was a lively and creative child, with a passion for performing arts and writing. The Longhursts spoke of her budding talents as a young author and her love for playing with dolls, especially her cherished stuffed bunny, Hop Hop. Friends and family have rallied together to honour her memory and assist in the aftermath of her untimely passing.
As of June 10, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over £122,000 to help cover funeral and medical expenses, and to provide support for the family during this difficult time. Donations will also assist with counselling services as they cope with their loss.
In light of this tragedy, the Bryant family is using their voice to advocate for child safety by encouraging vehicle owners to consider the installation of backup cameras. They stress the importance of taking the time to look carefully and ensure that children are visible when reversing from driveways, stating, “A few extra seconds to stop, look carefully, and ensure children are visible can save a life.”
The community has come together in grief, showing overwhelming support for the Bryant family, a testament to the impact which Hazel had in her short life. The loss of such a bright and promising young girl has left a profound void, not just for her family but for all those who knew and loved her.