A 2-year-old girl died from her injuries after falling out of a moving car in West Philadelphia Friday.
Investigators say the tragic incident happened about 10:15 a.m. on the 4000 block of Lancaster Avenue when the toddler, Lisa Michelle Smalls, opened the rear door of the car while her mother was driving.
The little girl was rushed to Children’s Hospital in critical condition. But on Saturday, family members of Lisa Michelle made the decision to take her off life support and donate her organs.
“I’m gonna miss her a whole lot. Beautiful little girl,” the girl’s cousin Jamie Wong said.
The child’s mother tells NBCPhiladelphia six people were inside of the car, a Ford Escort, at the time of the accident—two adults and four children. She said when she turned from Fairmount Street onto Lancaster Avenue Lisa flew out the car. The girl’s mother said the doors on the Escort were always weak.
“I saw my cousin fly out the car. I don't want this to happen to another little girl. We lost an angel,” Wong said.
Philadelphia police are investigating the car doors for defects but investigators also say Lisa wasn't belted in her car seat.
The family plans to hold a vigil in West Philadelphia on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
The incident is still under investigation. Charges are pending.
