Child dies when hit by car

A three-year-old child was run over and killed in the KOA Mobile Home Park Sunday when he rode his tricycle into the street directly into the path and under the wheels of a Chevy Suburban driven by a family friend, Guadalupe Julian Donez, 54.

Killed was Jaime Salas Rangel, the son of Jaime Salas Martinez and Maria Rangel Martinez.

Despite what were described by police as "dedicated efforts" to save the child by emergency personnel responding to the scene, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival at Elmore Medical Center Hospital.

The incident occured at about 5:05 p.m. Sunday on Row M of the KOA Mobile Home Park.

Information provided to police by witnesses indicate that Donez was driving west through the mobile home park when the child rode a three-wheeled toy out in front of the moving vehicle.

Police said a number of other children were playing in the general vicinity and there were several adults in the area as well, although it is not known if any were specifically supervising the children. The child's mother was present in the area at the time of the accident. The posted speed limit in the area is 5 mph.

Witness information indicated that speed was not a factor in the accident, but that the driver may have not seen the child because of bright sunlight, police said.

The victim, the driver of the Surban, and the victim's family all lived in the area. "It was a blow to the whole community. They're all emotionally distraught," said Sgt. Rick Viola of the Mountain Home Police Department, who noted, "spring is arriving. Kids are out more often. We all need to be more aware of our surroundings."

The Mountain Home Police requested the Idaho State Police to assist in reconstructing the accident. Preliminary findings indicate that speed was not a factor in the accident. No charges have been filed at this time pending the conclusion of the investigation and review by the Elmore County Prosecutor.

An account to help the family has been set up at U.S. Bank in the name of Jaime Salas.