‘Wonderful people’: Everett parents struck by car, killed in front of young daughter in Florida

EVERETT, Mass — Two parents from Everett were struck and killed by a car in front of their 7-year-old daughter while on vacation in Florida earlier this week, authorities said.

Officers responding to a report of a crash involving a white Toyota Yaris and two pedestrians at the intersection of South Florida Avenue and Imperial Boulevard in Lakeland late Wednesday night found two people injured in the street, according to the Lakeland Police Department.

The pedestrians were identified as Ronald Jean Baptiste, 54, and Yanique Pierre, 46, both of Everett. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

“They were too young,” said Christine Cummings, a longtime neighbor of the couple. “My heart breaks for those two.”

Cummings told Boston 25 Saturday that Jean-Baptiste was a local pastor, and Pierre worked at a nearby hair salon.

She also claimed the couple had three daughters.

“May god be with them all,” said Cummings. “They were just wonderful people. They were quiet, and the kids were just beautiful and so respectful.”

The couple was crossing the eastbound side of South Florida Avenue in the crosswalk when they were struck by the front of the vehicle.

A preliminary investigation suggested that the driver had a green light at the time of the crash.

The driver not show any indications of impairment at the scene, and no charges have been filed or citations issued, police said.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.

A GoFundMe has also been established for the family.

“We are fundraising for Yanique and Ronald Jean Baptiste’s return to Everett Massachusetts after a tragic accident occurred in Florida where they lost their lives,” the fundraiser reads “We are making this Gofundme in an effort to raise enough money for their three daughters that are left to plan their parents funeral and their memorial ceremony. Losing both parents was an unforeseen tragedy, but with help hopefully we can memorialize Mr and Mrs. Baptiste and bring them home to their loved ones.”

The Pioneer Charter School of Science also shared the GoFundMe on Instagram.

“We are deeply heartbroken to inform you that three (two from upper and one from lower) of our very own Panthers lost their loving parents in a tragic accident. They need our help,” the charter school wrote.

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