SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The family of 21-month-old Nyxailia Hinton is searching for answers and seeking justice after the toddler died following an incident at a pumpkin patch in Sevier County.
According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Nyxailia was involved in an incident Tuesday at a pumpkin patch on Happy Hollow Lane. Investigators said the child fell and was struck by a vehicle driven by a family friend. Authorities confirmed the toddler later died from her injuries.
The incident remains under investigation, and no charges have been announced.
For Nyxailia’s family, the loss has been devastating.
“She just lit up the room,” said her mother, Peandra Hinton. “If you were having a bad day, you see Zayla, she’s gonna turn it all around.”
Hinton said the last two days have been overwhelming as the family struggles to cope with the sudden loss.
“The fact that I couldn’t wake up this morning to my baby, it really tore me up,” Hinton said.
According to Hinton, her daughter had been left in the care of a babysitter who took her to the pumpkin patch. Hinton said she did not approve of the trip and was unaware of the people accompanying her daughter that day.
After learning about the incident, Hinton rushed to the hospital, where her daughter later died.
As the family begins making funeral arrangements, Nyxailia’s father said they remain focused on finding out exactly what happened.
“We want justice for her. And we ain’t letting up. I don’t care if someone’s feelings get hurt. This has torn up her whole family. She wasn’t even 22 months old,” he said.
Loved ones describe Nyxailia as a joyful child whose smile could brighten any room. Now, the family says the memories she leaves behind are all they have to hold onto as they wait for answers from investigators.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident and said the investigation is continuing.
