A Georgia firefighter and his wife are grieving the heartbreaking loss of their 22-month-old son after a driver accidentally jumped a curb and struck the little boy while he was in his father’s arms.

Off-duty Gainesville firefighter Samuel Skelton was holding his son, Knox, outside the Limestone Marketplace shopping center when a vehicle suddenly accelerated over the curb, striking them both.

The father never saw it coming.

“Samuel was there, holding his 22-month-old son, Knox. Had his back to everything, didn’t even know what was coming, didn’t see what was coming,” Gainesville Police Capt. Kevin Holbrook told Atlanta News First.

According to police, 68-year-old Teresa Parker was attempting to park her 2024 Ford Edge in a handicapped parking space when she “inadvertently accelerated,” sending the vehicle over the curb.

Knox was airlifted to a children’s hospital in Atlanta, where he later died from his injuries. Samuel suffered minor injuries but did not require medical treatment.

The little boy was just shy of his second birthday.

A heartbreaking obituary paints a picture of a joyful toddler who adored his firefighter dad, loved playing with monster trucks and rarely went anywhere without his favorite toys.

Knox especially loved visiting the fire station and spending his father’s days off at the park.

“He ran the fire station like he owned the place and loved driving the fire truck just like his daddy. He preferred cookies and snacks over eating an actual meal,” his obituary reads.

He also loved “swinging on the swings on his daddy’s off days,” a treasured memory his family will now carry with them.

A fundraiser has been established to help Samuel and his wife, Kiana, as they face the unimaginable loss of their little boy.

“Sammy and Kiana Skelton recently experienced a heart-wrenching loss when their beloved son, Knox, who was just shy of his second birthday, passed away in a tragic accident,” the fundraiser states.

The Gainesville Fire Department, where Samuel serves his community, shared an emotional statement asking for prayers for the grieving parents.

“Samuel and Kiana Skelton are two of the most humble, caring, and genuine people you could ever meet. Our department is heartbroken by this tragedy, and we ask that our community surround the Skelton family with love, prayers, and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” the department wrote.

The department also reflected on the unique heartbreak of watching tragedy strike one of its own.

“We train and prepare to handle these difficult moments, but nothing can prepare you for when tragedy strikes one of your own.”

Police said Parker remained at the scene and has not been charged. The crash remains under investigation.

“This was just a tragic accident, altogether. You had an elderly female who did not intentionally do this,” Holbrook said.

For Samuel and Kiana, the loss is immeasurable. As their community rallies around them, loved ones are remembering Knox not for the tragedy that took his life, but for the joy he brought during his nearly two years.