Girl, 6, killed by car trying to save turtle

updated 8:31 a.m. ET June 8, 2005

FORT MYERS, Fla. - A 6-year-old girl darted into traffic to save a turtle and was killed when she was hit by a car, officials said.

Emily Kent was riding with her mother Sunday when they spotted the turtle trying to cross busy U.S. 41.

Geraldine Kent pulled over so they could help, and Emily jumped out as her mother screamed at her to wait, friends said. The first-grader was struck by a car and died of her injuries. No charges had been filed.

“I’ve had a lot of drivers swerve to avoid a raccoon or another animal and wreck their cars,” said Sgt. Owen Keen of the Florida Highway Patrol. “I’ve never had anyone go to help an animal and get run over.”

Friends and family said Emily was an animal lover who would often try to catch turtles and snakes and never went far without her dog, Alexis.

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