2-Year-Old Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in Toombs County

TOOMBS COUNTY, Ga. — A 2-year-old child has died after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday evening in Vidalia, GA, authorities said.

Toombs 911 Dispatch received a call at approximately 5:55 p.m. on April 8, 2026, from Memorial Health Meadows Hospital reporting that Zakai Johnson had been pronounced dead after being run over by a vehicle.

According to investigators, the child’s mother, 21-year-old Shanoria Johnson, told hospital staff that Zakai had been in the yard when a silver GMC Yukon driven by Edward Wright struck him. She transported the child to the hospital.

The Vidalia Police Department initially responded to the hospital but determined the incident occurred outside city limits at a residence on Cadillac Drive. The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office then took over the investigation and responded to both the hospital and the scene.

The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Georgia State Patrol due to the fatal nature of the crash. Troopers later called in the Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team to assist with the investigation.

Authorities said preliminary findings indicate the incident appears to be accidental. The investigation remains ongoing.

Officials thanked the Vidalia Police Department and Georgia State Patrol Post 19 in Reidsville for their assistance.