UPDATE #1: (Buford, Ga., Mar. 11, 2024) – Following the on-scene crash investigation, the Accident Investigation Unit determined that three pedestrians were struck by a pickup truck. The call originally came in to the 911 Center at 4:16 p.m.

According to the preliminary investigation, three pedestrians were crossing Mall of Georgia Drive (the inner perimeter roadway for the Mall of Georgia) located in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Von Maur and walking east towards the parking lot.

The driver of a 2004 white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was traveling northwest from the parking lot of the Mall of Georgia. As the driver (age 18) of the truck was turning left on to Mall of Georgia Drive, the three pedestrians were struck.

Two of the pedestrians (male, age 31, and female, age 7) were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining pedestrian, Abigail Hernandez (girl, age 4), was transported to Scottish Rite where she eventually died of her injuries.

The white pickup truck was impounded to the Gwinnett County Police Department headquarters for further investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

ORIGINAL: (Buford, Ga., Mar. 10, 2024) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating a motor vehicle accident that left one juvenile deceased in Buford.

Just after 4:00 p.m. officers assigned to the North Precinct responded to a “Person Hit By Vehicle” call in the parking lot of the Mall of Georgia in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. When officers arrived on scene they requested the Accident Investigation Unit. One juvenile was transported to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta – Egleston where they were pronounced deceased. Two additional patients were transported to Northside Hospital Lawrenceville with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with police.

It has not yet been determined what factors led to the collision. The Accident Investigation Unit continues the investigation. Specific identifying information of the deceased is being withheld until all next-of-kins are notified.

Witnesses are encouraged to call or email GCPD Investigators with any helpful information at pdaccidentinvestigationunit@gwinnettcounty.com or 678.442.5653. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.