WALTON COUNTY, Fla. -- A child was killed in a rollover crash in Walton County Wednesday morning.
The rollover crash happened around 11:30 a.m. near the 86-mile marker of I-10.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-10 near the 62-mile marker.
The vehicle was operating recklessly with no regard for the motoring public, according to FHP.
FHP says troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the fleeing vehicle continued to drive recklessly.
The vehicle entered the median and collided with a tractor-trailer traveling westbound on Interstate 10.
Three occupants remained in the vehicle. One child was pronounced deceased on the scene. The child's identity has not been released at this time.
No further details have been released.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office issued this statement on the incident on Thursday:
A moment of choice can fracture reality. It can send your journey on a different course than intended. A split second. A fraction of time. It can splinter and hurt and cause unimaginable pain.
Oftentimes, our first responders are there. Called to try and reverse these choices. Many times, it’s simply beyond their reach. Slipping just beyond their grasp. These are hard things to accept. To cope with. These moments only live in our memory. No matter how hard we may try to push them down. The road may be cleared, but the pavement hides a scar.
It’s the job we choose. We must continue. Holding the line. Answering the call.
We ask our residents to remember - like we often do - your choices sometimes cannot be taken back. Some lead to tragic consequences. Lifelong regret. A dark parallel universe where pain lives and silence echos.
We are always here. And will continue to be. Even on the hardest days. If you need us.
Yesterday was a tough day for many. Namely, our Walton County first responders and neighbors. This is a note to say we are with you. We see you. We thank you.
Check back here for updates.