One-year-old girl, Avery Lynn Sexton tragically lost her life after she was struck by a vehicle on New Smyrna beach where areas of the beach are open to driving10:15, 29 May 2026A one-year-old girl has died in a car crash after running into traffic while enjoying a family day out at the beach.‌Avery Lynn Sexton was enjoying a Memorial Day outing at New Smyrna beach, Florida when she was hit by a car on the beach, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.‌The driver remained at the scene until authorities arrived, while Avery was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was shortly pronounced dead on Saturday.‌The Sheriff's Office said: "The driver of the vehicle remained on scene, and at this time, it does not appear speed or impairment are a factor. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office sends our deepest condolences to the child’s family."Mia Leporn, a witness, told News 6 that the incident was “heartbreaking.”“A little girl was face down in the sand,” she said. “It was very sad. People were screaming; People were crying.” Later she added, “It’s a very tragic event.”‌Avery’s father, Dante Sexton, said: "She was just a light of anybody's day that met her, really. She was the happiest little girl you could ever meet."Avery’s aunt, Alyssa Jasmine said: "She loved the water. She just laughed all the time. Her laugh was contagious."‌Dante shared that his family never imagined such a tragedy could strike them, and they are now advocating to ban driving on the beach.Alyssa suggested that beaches only allow driving lanes to be ‘one-way’ and to slow down vehicles speed to five mph from 10. She told WESH 2: "There’s not enough room for two cars to be going two ways."‌A memorial now rest on the beach near the crash site, with flowers, a pink bow and a photograph marking the spot she tragically lost her life. A GoFundMe has been made for Avery, raising more than $16,000 of its $18,000 goal.Family friend, Jade Lindlau wrote: “She was a bright light in our lives, and her loss has left the family heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy,”“Avery had so much spirit – she could light up a room just by being herself. Her loving nature touched everyone she met, and her sweetness made her truly unforgettable.”‌“Avery’s memory will always be cherished, and we want to honour her in the most loving way possible.”The contributions collected through the fundraiser will be used to cover Avery’s funeral and memorial expenses. Her mother, Felicity Dionisi, shared she will be cremated following her tragic passing.Article continues belowA private memorial service is scheduled to take place this Sunday.