It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of a 3-year-old boy named Josiah Toleafoa, who tragically lost his life on what was supposed to be a day filled with joy and celebration – his third birthday.

The incident occurred at the parking lot of Play City, an indoor venue for kids’ parties, where Josiah and his family were gathered. In a cruel twist of fate, a car hit young Josiah, leaving his family and those present in shock and disbelief.

 

Witnesses recall the harrowing scene of Josiah’s mother, overcome with grief, screaming and crying as paramedics desperately tried to save her son’s life. Despite their efforts, Josiah was pronounced dead at the Rady Children’s Hospital. The unimaginable had happened, and this family’s world was shattered.

The circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation. The driver involved, a 36-year-old whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was neither under the influence of drugs nor alcohol. He remained at the scene, cooperating with the authorities. The exact cause of the accident remains unknown.

In this time of overwhelming sadness, the family has come together to create a GoFundMe page to support Josiah’s parents with the expenses of his funeral. Josiah’s aunt, Tatiana Toleafoa, describes him as a child full of happiness, whose smile and loving heart brought joy to all those around him. It is devastating to think about the amazing things Josiah would have accomplished had his life not been cut tragically short.

“We’re doing this GoFundMe to help with my sweet nephew’s funeral expenses and services for the little angel that touched so many lives in so many different ways before he was called to Heaven,” the page states. “Any amount would help, anything at all.”

The community has rallied around the grief-stricken family, with the owner of Play City donating $2,000 and the landlord matching the donation. However, no arrests have been made at this time.

Our hearts ache for Josiah’s family during this incomprehensible loss. Losing a child is an unimaginable pain that no family should ever have to endure. We extend our deepest condolences to them and ask that you keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.