Aziel Zermeno dies after SUV runs over in Independence MO

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 28, 2026
Aziel Zermeno dies after SUV runs over in Independence MO

INDEPENDENCE, MO, (April 25, 2026) — A 2-year-old boy, identified as Aziel Zermeno, died Saturday after being struck in a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash at an apartment complex parking lot in Independence, according to authorities.

Officials said Aziel was riding a scooter near the sidewalk area when he left the walkway and entered the parking lot. At that moment, a 2017 Cadillac XT5 was pulling forward from a parking space and struck the child, running over him.

A neighbor immediately performed CPR until emergency responders arrived at the scene. Aziel was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The driver remained at the scene, and no arrests have been reported at this time.

A fundraiser has been created to help the family with funeral expenses.

The Independence Police Department continues to investigate the incident.


PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are killed on U.S. roads, and many of these tragedies are preventable with greater driver awareness and caution. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, approximately 3,304 pedestrians were struck and killed in the first half of 2024 alone.

Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, emphasized the importance of thorough investigation in such cases.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond.

“Road conditions, visibility, parking lot design, and lighting are all factors that must be carefully examined. These steps are essential in helping families pursue justice and accountability for their loss,” she added.

Bond also noted that accident reconstruction specialists are often required to determine exactly how such collisions occur and to preserve key evidence for families seeking compensation.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Aziel Zermeno may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.

“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” Formica said.

He added that legal guidance can help families navigate an extremely difficult time while ensuring their rights are protected.

“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for far less than a case is worth,” Formica noted. “An attorney will advocate to ensure families are treated fairly and receive appropriate compensation.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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