New Witnesses in Death of Olivia Hellwig
Police say they have new evidence, and that they are still trying to determine who is at fault.
Police said today they are still trying to determine who is at fault in an accident that killed a toddler at Lenora Park in Snellville on Saturday.
Initially, police said that both the child's mother, Brooke Hellwig, and the driver of the car that hit them, Tekila Glass of Riverdale, appeared to be equally at fault in the death of 1-year-old Olivia Hellwig.
However, the Gwinnett County Police's Accident Investigation Unit (AIU) has learned new information regarding the fatal accident after interviewing Hellwig, Glass and additional witnesses, according to press statement released Sept. 21. The new witnesses came forward after the initial report released to the media.
According to the new evidence, police learned that Hellwig was pushing Olivia in a stroller Saturday evening near the football complex at Lenora Park. Hellwig then entered the parking lot. Meanwhile, Glass was backing through the parking lot and struck Olivia and her mother as they were crossing the parking lot.
Hellwig and her daughter were then transported to Egleston Hospital of Atlanta. Hellwig was treated for minor injuries, and Olivia later died from hers.
A vigil is being held today, Sept. 21, at Lenora Park, in honor of the little girl.
Investigators are still trying to interview additional witnesses, and they are still attempting to determine fault.
Anyone who witnessed this accident who has not spoken with investigators is asked to call the Accident Investigation Unit at 770-338-5675.
chris
2:19 am on Friday, September 23, 2011
I can't count the times that I have seen strollers being pushed out into the edge of traffic. It seems as if they just expect everyone to stop and that is all fine if they see you. You can't assume everyone one sees you. I am actually surprised this doesn't happen more often. So sad.
Dolores Forget
7:50 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
I just looked at the diagram of the accident and it appears as if the driver was not backing up, she was driving backwards. I am sorry, but traveling backwards the span of seven parking spaces with a crosswalk in-between, in my opinion, is NOT backing up. This was irresponsible in a park where there are pedestrians and children everywhere.
sierra
9:13 am on Sunday, September 25, 2011
yeah and at that park the point they were hit was a pedestrian crosswalk.... the driver was "looking for a parking space" ....hello, 6 people in car, driving backwards....looking for a parking space NOT pedestrians in a crosswalk? crazy.
James
12:05 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
I think the person backing up was at fault. I take my kids to the same park everyday and there is no way you can avoid walking out between two cars. Maybe the city of Snellville should be responsible and put better side-walks and crosswalks. I feel sad for all parties involved, but why are you backing up looking for a parking spot. Why not drive back around and find one. Pedestrians have the right away and especially in a park! The city should be held just as responsible because of the lack of sidewalks and cross-ways.