“No-one’s to blame”: Parents speak after tragic driveway incident
<p>The parents of a toddler who died outside their family home in Lake Macquarie, NSW, have understandably been left absolutely heartbroken, saying they feel “completely numb” after the shocking tragedy.</p>
<p>The almost two-year-old was killed after she ran outside and was struck by a car in the family’s driveway on Monday August 15.</p>
<p>Mother Jacintha McPherson said she was still coming to terms with the terrible accident that took her beloved daughter Payton’s life.</p>
<p>"I've been on autopilot," McPherson said. I'm just in survival mode and supporting everyone at the moment. How are you expected to get over it?"</p>
<p>Inquiries are ongoing and McPherson said the family are still in shock after the tragic accident. "It was just an accident, kids being kids, and no-one's to blame, it's no one's fault," she said.</p>
<p>Herself and extended family are coming together in memory of the toddler who brought “joy” and “love” into their lives.</p>
<p>"Typical two-year-old, full of life, full of beans, full of love, the attitude. The memory of our baby girl is important, and you know, trying to give her the send-off that she deserves is what's important."</p>
<p>McPherson has praised the work of emergency service workers and cannot thank them enough.</p>
<p>"I can't thank the police and ambulance and all the doctors that turned up on Monday, it was a shock to all of them, it really was, and they handled themselves so well and they provided everyone with so much support," she said.</p>
<p>"They didn't know her. They didn't have to, but they treated her with so much respect and dignity and that's all a mum can ask for."</p>
<p><em>Image: NBN</em></p>
