A family in Missouri is grieving the tragic loss of their 4-year-old child, who authorities say was fatally struck by a truck delivering Amazon packages.
The incident occurred on May 4 in Kansas City, Missouri, where young Tadens Joseph was playing in the grassy area of a local public park. According to information from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, Tadens wandered onto the roadway and was hit by the vehicle.
The police report states, “Initial investigations suggest that a marked Amazon delivery vehicle had just completed a delivery in the 1800 block of E. 3rd Terrace. After delivering the package, the truck began moving westbound on E. 3rd Terrace towards Woodland Avenue.”
While the driver initially stopped at the scene, they left before law enforcement could arrive. A family member reportedly followed the driver to their next stop and informed them about the incident. However, the driver allegedly denied involvement and departed, according to the police release.
Tragically, Tadens succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by the police.
In a heartfelt reflection, Tadens’ family shared with KCTV5 that the little boy loved pizza and Spider-Man. They noted that he was attempting to cross the road to return home when the accident occurred.
“Investigators have worked throughout the night and day,” according to a separate press release. “They were able to get in contact with both Amazon, and the 3rd party delivery driving company based locally, both of which were cooperative in the investigation.”
Police identified a subject of interest and took her into custody before releasing her pending further investigation, according to the release.
“This is common in the case of fatal crashes…the prosecutors need the entirety of the investigative findings which can take several weeks to compile,” according to the release. “A subject cannot be held that long without charges.”
Meanwhile, the involved vehicle will remain in police custody for processing.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the child’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement to Oxygen. “We’ll cooperate fully with the Kansas City Police Department in their active investigation and defer to them for additional details.”
Delivery drivers are not Amazon employees, the spokesperson clarified, adding that they work for independent Delivery Service Partners, “which are small businesses that deliver to Amazon customers.”
