1-Year-Old Dies After Falling from Pickup Truck

Police allege the child was not properly restrained at the time of the incident

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 1-year-old boy tragically died after falling out of a pickup truck and being run over in a Louisiana gas station parking lot. Police say the child, identified as Nicholas Aguilar, was not properly restrained inside the vehicle when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the critical importance of properly securing young children in car seats and restraints to prevent such devastating accidents. Louisiana has strict laws requiring children under 2 to be in rear-facing car seats, but authorities say the majority of child restraints are installed incorrectly.

The details

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the incident happened around 11:20 a.m. on Friday, February 20th, as the pickup truck was turning in the gas station parking lot. The rear passenger door opened and the 1-year-old boy fell out onto the concrete, where he was then run over by the truck's rear tire. The child was rushed to a local hospital but later pronounced dead.

  • The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Nicholas Aguilar

The 1-year-old boy who tragically died after falling from the pickup truck.

Baton Rouge Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

Janette Fennell

The founder of Kids and Car Safety, who commented on the importance of proper child restraints.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission

The state agency that oversees car seat and restraint laws, which estimates 96% of child restraints are installed incorrectly.

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What they’re saying

“If that child was in a car seat, correctly restrained, there's no way they could fall out.”

— Janette Fennell, Founder, Kids and Car Safety (WBRZ)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and police are expected to provide further updates as they determine the full circumstances surrounding the child's death.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the vital need for all parents and caregivers to ensure young children are properly secured in appropriate car seats and restraints every time they travel. Strict enforcement of Louisiana's child seat laws, as well as better education on correct installation, could help prevent similar heartbreaking incidents in the future.