No Charges Expected In Child's Death By Car In Driveway

CANTON, GA — A Cherokee County toddler died over the weekend from injuries sustained when she was hit by a vehicle in the driveway of her home. Lilly Franklin, 2, passed away Sunday evening at an Atlanta hospital, said Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker.

Baker told Patch that Lilly and another child were at their home on Ball Ground Highway in the Keithsburg community with their uncle, who lives with the family. The uncle's employer dropped by the residence to deliver a paycheck, Baker said. Both children were on the front porch with their uncle when the employer arrived at the home.

The employer and the uncle met for a short time, with the employer "never exiting the vehicle or parking the car," Baker said. During that time, Lilly got under the vehicle and was hit by the employer. The children's parents were not at home at the time of the accident, Baker said.

The toddler was transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital and flown to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite where she died of her injuries. Baker notes the incident is being investigated by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Traffic Enforcement Unit, but no charges are expected to be filed.

"There are no indications of any type of impairment of anyone involved," he added.

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With Lilly's passing, the Cherokee County community is being asked to do everything in its power to help the family get through this difficult time. A PlumFund page has been created to raise $5,000 for the family. As of Tuesday morning, a little more than $2,000 has been donated to help the Franklin family. Members of the family confirmed Lilly's identity with Patch and shared the link to the PlumFund page, which can be accessed here.

"We ask that you keep the Franklins in thought and many prayers, and any help is appreciated," organizer Heather Putnam said.

A Meal Train account has also been created to ensure Lilly's parents and older brother won't have to worry about cooking meals while attending to the little girl's needs at the hospital.

"We are asking friends and family to come together to help ease the burden of cooking a hot meal for dinner during this time," Jordon Reznicek, the creator of the account, said.

Anyone interested in helping keep the family fed can click here to sign up. There's also an option for residents to send a gift card to help the family, and that also can be done by following the link.

Image via Franklin family