Nothing is more important to you as a parent than your child; you want to ensure they feel appreciated. When a day to remember became a nightmare, one family went through hell.
Instead of arranging a birthday celebration as they had intended, they planned a funeral. That story is tragic.
When tragedy struck, young Josiah Toleafoa was en route to Play City to join other kids in celebrating his third birthday. In the parking lot of Play City, a kid-friendly indoor party location in Chula Vista, San Diego, a toddler was struck by a car.
As paramedics battled to save the young boy’s life, Josiah’s mother sobbed frantically, according to a witness to the entire terrible experience. Unfortunately, the efforts were in vain because Josiah died at Rady Children’s Hospital.
The 36-year-old driver of the car reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated, according to police. Police say that it doesn’t appear that either drinking or drugs contributed to the collision.
Family members used social media to create a GoFundMe page to raise money for Joseph’s funeral costs. The young boy was characterized as loving and kind. “JOSIAH drew the family together—his amazing smile and adoring heart radiated joy in any space. There wasn’t time to witness his astounding feats.” As the boy’s aunt, Tatiana Toleafoa wrote, “I KNOW HE WOULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.”
“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,” she continued when asked why the campaign was started.
“Any sum at all would be helpful. We want to be able to lay him to rest so that we may say goodbye and never forget the young kid who loved us with such a big heart. We are so grateful that our beloved family and friends are here to support us through this terrible sorrow.”
The Play City owner said that he is giving the Josiah family $2,000 and that the landlord matches that amount.
Although the case is still under investigation, no one has yet been taken into custody concerning the accident.
What a tragic piece of news this is. We offer our sympathies to Josiah Toleafoa’s family during this difficult time. Please join us in praying for the family and thinking about them.
