A young child has died in a collision in Ocean Grove.

Tragedy struck Ocean Grove as a four-year-old girl, Heidi Foote, was killed in a collision on Presidents Avenue late Friday afternoon. Eyewitness reports indicate that a vehicle lost control, veering off the road and colliding with the child who was on the footpath. The immediate aftermath was chaotic as emergency services rushed to the scene, but sadly, Heidi was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. The driver, a 71-year-old woman from the local area, was arrested following the incident and is currently subject to police inquiry. As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing for anyone with additional information or dash cam footage from the area to come forward. Heidi's grieving parents released a heartfelt statement describing their daughter as “the most beautiful child” who loved to sing the song 'This Little Light of Mine.' They expressed their profound sorrow but also their gratitude for the support received from the community and first responders. This tragedy highlights the fragility of life and the uncontrollable nature of such accidents. In addition to addressing the tragic loss of their daughter, the family also voiced concern for the driver, emphasizing the tragedy surrounding her circumstances. This reaction invites a more compassionate public discourse, pushing against potential blame and stigma that often follows such incidents. The community's response, combined with an outpouring of love for the family, underscores the closeness and support typical of smaller communities. Local authorities are now tasked not only with finding the facts about how the car lost control but also managing the emotional fallout that such incidents generate—focus needs to be placed on measures that prevent such devastating accidents in the future. As we reflect on this heartbreaking news, we must keep these families in our thoughts, recognizing both their loss and the challenges ahead for the driver involved, who is no doubt facing her own emotional turmoil in the wake of this horrific event.