2-year-old fatally struck by car walked onto highway after parents put her to bed

Troopers are investigating after a 2-year-old girl escaped her home after being put to bed by her parents and was later fatally struck by a vehicle in south-central Michigan.

Michigan State Police reported the death took place on a road outside the home where the toddler lived with her family in Allen Township.

The vehicle struck the toddler along U.S. Highway 12 in the small town in Hillsdale County, according to information from troopers posted on X.

Officials said around 8:20 p.m. Friday, state police responded to a report of a car crash involving a pedestrian and found a 2-year-old girl lying in the road.

A first responder was already on scene performing life-saving measures, police reported.

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Troopers said parents put the baby down to bed before she walked out of home

The girl was taken to a hospital, where she died, troopers said.

According to a preliminary investigation, the child was put to bed by her parents. As her parents worked around their home, the toddler got out of bed and walked out of the house.

At some point, the child walked out onto the street and was struck by a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 38-year-old male who lived in the town.

Troopers have not released the child's identity.

USA TODAY has reached out to troopers.

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So far, troopers reported, charges have not been filed in the case, and alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the deadly crash.

An autopsy was slated to be performed on the child, and the case remained under investigation on Wednesday.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information about the case is asked to call troopers at 517-780-4580.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.