Crime & Safety
Child's Death A Grim Reminder To Wear A Seatbelt
Andy Jeronimo, 7, was killed during a crash near Port Orchard that caused him to be ejected from the car. Police say he wasn't restrained.
PORT ORCHARD, WA — After a 7-year-old boy was killed in a car crash on SR 16 north of Gig Harbor this week, Washington State troopers issued a PSA asking drivers with children in the car to ensure booster or car seats are secured properly when traveling.
The child, identified as Andy Calmo Jeronimo of Bremerton, was seated on an unrestrained booster seat in the third row of a green 1999 Toyota Sienna minivan traveling just west of Tremont Street in Port Orchard. Washington State Patrol said the driver, 30-year-old Gregorio Calmo Jeronimo, lost control of the van and left the roadway, striking a guardrail and ejecting Andy from the vehicle.
The crash occurred just before 5:45 p.m. Nov. 26. It was reportedly raining at the time, though police also reportedly believe speed may have been a contributing factor. The incident is still under investigation, and WSP officials ask for anyone who saw the crash to call 360-473-0141.
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Other passengers in the car included Alicia Carrillo Cruiz, 34, and four other children — aged 6, 8, 9, and 12. Everyone else was reportedly restrained and made it through the crash uninjured.
Information on child restraints, how to get a booster or car seat, and how to have your booster or car seat restraints inspected for safety is available at SaferCar.gov, a website managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Images via Shutterstock, Washington State Patrol
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