Family of little girl hit by ute urge parents to follow simple step

THIS three-year-old was killed when she wandered onto a Perth highway. But one thing could have saved her.

Angel Atkins died when she was hit by a ute on a highway near Perth. Picture: 7 News

THE family of a child who died after being hit by a ute on a Perth highway has revealed their heartbreak over a simple oversight they believe could have saved her.

Angel Atkins, 3, wandered from her Gosnells home at about 6am on March 23 this year while her parents were sleeping.

She was struck on Albany Highway by a Toyota Hilux about 300m from their rented house and suffered critical injuries.

Now Angel’s father, Wayne Atkins, has spoken to Seven News to warn other parents in the hope the tragedy would never be repeated.

Angel’s father Wayne spoke about their heartbreaking loss on Seven News. Picture: Channel 7

Mr Atkins said Angel was able to twist the lock on the front door of their home and wander away because it wasn’t fitted with a deadlock and they did not have a key for the security screen.

Consumer Protection spokesman David Hillyard said landlords were required to provide a front-door dead bolt or a triple lock security door.

Mr Atkins appealed to other parents to do a simple lock check to make sure the standards were met.

He said the family was devastated by Angel’s death, but did not hold any malice towards the Toyota driver.

“I’ve got no hatred for him,” he said. “I feel sorry for the poor fella.”

Police arrived at the scene but nothing could be done to save the little girl. Picture: Channel 7

Sharon Arkwright, 46, performed CPR on the little girl before emergency crews arrived and took her to Armadale-Kelmscott Hospital where she later died.

Ms Arkwright said the driver was distraught when she arrived at the scene, but all she could do was call his mother and tell him it wasn’t his fault.

According to Seven News, she also recalled seeing Angel’s brother in his pyjamas asking ambulance officers if they had seen his sister.

In the months that followed her death, Angel’s family would often visit the place where the little girl took her final steps and visit a makeshift memorial to their daughter.

Adding to their grief, the memorial was removed along with precious photographs the family would like back.