The family whose 18-month-old son died in what they call 'a tragic accident' is devastated by the loss of the toddler, a family friend confirms.
"It goes without saying that the family is devastated at the loss of their son to this tragic accident," said Paul Corrigan who on behalf of the Petersen family Thursday afternoon.
"The family would like to thank all of the first responders on the scene for their professionalism and empathy, and thanks as well to the compassionate staff of the University of Alberta Hospital and the Edmonton Police Service," Corrigan added.
Edmonton police continue to investigate less than 24 hours after little Michel Petersen was run over by a vehicle in his driveway. The toddler died a short time after arriving at an Edmonton hospital.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene near O' Connor Close just after 5 p.m. on a report that a child had been struck by a vehicle.
CTV News has learned the child was standing on a driveway when a vehicle backed out of the garage and struck the 18-month-old boy.
All police will say is a family member was involved, but neighbours in the quiet south Edmonton neighbourhood of Ogilvie Ridge tell CTV News the person behind the wheel was the boy's mother.
The child was rushed to University Hospital by ambulance, with family by his side, but Edmonton police confirm the child died a short time later.
A red Cadillac was towed away from the scene and is now part of the investigation.
Police investigators have not confirmed how many children were on the driveway at the time of the incident.
"It's far too early in the investigation to say where the kids were and what they were doing out there," said Sgt. David Thomson with Edmonton Police Service.
Corrigan says the family has asked that anyone who wishes to donate money should give it to the Stollery Children's Hospital under Michel's name.
With files from Bill Fortier
