Nationwide — Tadens Joseph, a 4-year-old African American boy from Kansas City, Missouri, was tragically struck and killed by an Amazon delivery van while playing near a park sidewalk. Police said the driver briefly stopped after the crash but left the scene before emergency responders arrived.
According to KMBC, the incident happened in the 1800 block of East Third Terrace, a residential area where children are often outside playing. Kansas City police said a marked Amazon delivery vehicle hit Tadens while he was on or near the sidewalk.
Police said the driver stopped for a short time after the collision. A family member tried to follow the vehicle and later confronted the driver, who denied being involved in the crash.
Kansas City police later confirmed that one person was taken into custody for further investigation. Detectives are now gathering witness statements and reviewing what led to the incident.
Tadens’ family is grieving his loss. They remember him as a joyful child who loved Spider-Man, soccer, pizza, and Lay’s chips. They described him as friendly and full of energy, often smiling and trying to include everyone in play.
Police said they are working with Amazon and a third-party delivery company involved in the case. Amazon released a statement saying, “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time. We’ll fully cooperate with police as they continue their investigation.”
Investigators will reconstruct the scene, review video footage, and analyze forensic evidence as part of the case. Police said the findings will be forwarded to prosecutors once the investigation is complete, which could take several weeks.