Haitian American boy dies after being struck by vehicle in Central Florida

Rodney Jean Thomas, a 12-year-old boy, has died at Orlando’s Arnold Palmer Hospital after being hit by a vehicle on Monday night. The child, who was Haitian American, had been on life support for several days following the collision in Ocoee.

According to the Ocoee police, officers found the boy severely injured in the roadway before he was airlifted to the hospital. The driver involved in the incident stayed at the scene. While the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, a family spokesperson noted that the area near Old Winter Garden Road and Blackwood Avenue was poorly lit at the time of the accident. "It’s dark out there; it’s not well lit. He was wearing dark clothing, and he was not seen," the spokesperson stated.

Impact on the family

The victim was walking with his 9-year-old brother when the collision occurred around 7:45 p.m. The younger sibling witnessed the event but did not sustain physical injuries. Rodney was a student at Thornebrooke Elementary and a member of the Mosaic Church community.

A spokesperson for the church described the impact on the survivor, stating, "This is just such a loss, and it’s so shocking for everybody, but especially for the young brother who witnessed it. We’re doing everything we can just to be supportive and love on him." The boy's mother, Madianne Forestal, is a single parent of five children. Family friends described her as "a brokenhearted mother" who is currently "reeling" from the loss.

Community support and fundraising

Friends and members of the Mosaic Church have organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs and financial strain, as Forestal typically works seven days a week to support her family. "Rodney was a gentle, faithful child who loved music, singing at Mosaic Church," said a family friend, Christy Buehler Reynolds.

The community is being asked to provide both emotional and practical help. "Now is the time for the community … if you’re able, pray, please pray. And if you’re able to support the GoFundMe, then please do," Reynolds said. A specific date for the funeral has not been determined.