As a parent, there is nothing more important to you than your child and to make sure your child feels like they are being celebrated. This family lived through a hell when a day to remember turned into a nightmare.
They were meant to be celebrating a birthday but instead found themselves planning a funeral. What a heartbreaking story.
Little Josiah Toleafoa was on his way to Play City to celebrate his third birthday with other children when tragedy struck. The toddler was hit with a car in the parking of Play City which is an indoor party venue for kids in Chula Vista, San Diego.
A witness to the entire heartbreaking ordeal shared that Josiah’s mother cried hysterically as paramedics worked to save the little boy’s life. The efforts unfortunately did not pay off as Josiah passed away at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Police reported that the 36-year-old driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and was cooperative. According to police department, drugs and alcohol do not seem to have played a part in the accident.
Family members took to social media to set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses forJosiah. They described the little boy as sweet and loving. “JOSIAH brought the family together- his incredible SMILE, LOVING HEART simply brought JOY to any room. There was no time to see him do amazing things. I KNOW HE WOULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD,” wrote a Tatiana Toleafoa, who identified herself as the boy’s aunt.
She added the reason for starting the campaign, “We’re doing this gofundme to help with my sweet nephew’s funeral expenses and services for the little angel that touched so many lives in so many different ways before he was called to Heaven. Any amount would help, anything at all. We are so thankful to have loving family and friends to be with us and love us through this horrible tragedy and want to be able to put him to rest to say goodbye and never forget the little boy who loved with a tremendous heart.”
The owner of Play City confirmed that he is donating $2,000 to the Josiah’s family and that the landlord is matching his donation as well.
The case is currently being investigated but no arrests have been made in connection to the accident as of yet.
This is such a heartbreaking piece of news. We are sending Josiah Toleafoa’s family our condolences as they grieve. Please join us in keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers.