Toddler dies after being hit by car in Harnett County

Barbara Anna Lynn Hunt darted out into oncoming traffic near a home at the intersection of Farrar and Spring Hill Church roads near Lillington. 

Her grandmother was watching her toddler at the time and was on the scene within moments. 

A witness that was driving behind the car that hit the child told troopers that speed was not a factor and the driver clearly did not see the girl.

"The witness also stated that in just a matter of a second or two the grandmother was right on the heels of the child. It wasn't a matter of the grandmother not watching the child, it's just a matter of the child being a few split-seconds faster than the grandmother was," Trooper Robert Mellott said.

The child was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. 

"She was rambunctious, playful, all around good girl. Loved to play outside. Just brightened everybody's day when when she got around them," Barbara's uncle, Brian Stewart, said. 

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is working with the Harnett County District Attorney's office to determine if any charges will be filed in the case.

Mellott, who lives nearby where the accident occurred, said it hit close to home.

"Our job is just to record what happens, but, as a person, a father and a member of this community, I wish there was something more I could do for the family," Merlott said. 

The girl's family said there have been a number of wrecks along Springhill Church Road. They want to impart on drivers to slow down because children might be playing nearby. 

"It's just a really bad spot," Stewart said. "I don't know if there is anything much that can be changed because of this particular spot. There's no place to put any signs."