Bedford family mourning 3-year-old boy killed by vehicle

A Bedford, N.S., family is reeling after a three-year-old boy died after being struck by a vehicle.

Maverick Brown was playing soccer in his backyard with his older brother and other neighbourhood children on Friday evening, according to a GoFundMe page started by his aunt to raise money to cover funeral arrangements. 

His aunt, Felicia Newell, wrote that Maverick's father had called the boys in for bedtime, but they asked to stay out a bit longer because they had just made some new friends. 

"In those few minutes, the soccer ball was kicked into the parking area nearby, and a large truck with a trailer happened to be passing by," the page reads. 

"What happened next was a tragic and devastating accident that is still hard to comprehend."

Halifax Regional Police say they responded to the incident on Brownstone Way, a residential street near Brookline Drive in West Bedford around 7:50 p.m.

Police investigated and determined that neither speed nor alcohol was a factor and the driver will not be facing any charges. 

"This was a tragic incident and there was no criminal wrongdoing by the driver," Const. Martin Cromwell said in a statement.

Newell wrote that Maverick will be remembered as "full of life, curiosity, and love."

She wrote that media coverage of the tragedy has sparked comments online, adding that "blame and hurtful speculation do nothing to help and only deepen the pain" the family is already experiencing.

"This is a grieving family who is already carrying more than anyone should," she wrote.