In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded over the weekend, a community in Woodland was left in shock as a series of unfortunate events led to the tragic death of a two-year-old toddler at a local gas station.
The Woodland Police Department reported a disturbing occurrence involving two young children at the 76 gas station located at the intersection of West and Court streets. The incident took place shortly after 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, capturing the immediate attention of local law enforcement and the community at large.
According to the police, a three-year-old girl managed to climb into the driver’s seat of a black Dodge truck that was left running by her father, who had momentarily stepped away to enter the store at the gas station. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, this innocent act would lead to catastrophic results. The toddler, having climbed out of her car seat, inadvertently set the truck in motion.
At that very moment, two-year-old Ailahni Sanchez Martinez was enjoying tacos at her family’s taco stand located on the edge of the gas station’s parking lot. Tragically, as the truck began to move forward, it collided with the young girl, causing severe injuries.
Family members rushed Ailahni to the hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life. However, despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away, leaving her family and the community in mourning.
The incident has sparked a wave of emotion, with many expressing their condolences and support for the grieving family. A GoFundMe page, established by Ailahni’s aunt, Mireya Sanabria, describes the devastating loss of their “little princess” and has become a platform for the community to offer their support and sympathies.
The Woodland Police Department has been thorough in their investigation, noting the cooperation of the three-year-old’s father. While the investigation continues, the authorities have asked for patience from the community. The final report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review, a process that many are watching closely.
This tragic incident serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the unpredictability of accidents and the profound impact they can have on families and communities. As the investigation unfolds, many are holding the affected families in their thoughts, hoping for strength and healing in the face of such an unimaginable loss.