MOUNT DORA, Florida—Mount Dora Police Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy and sent his mom to the hospital Thursday afternoon.
MDPD has not released names, but a gofundme and accompanying social media post identified mom and son as Kaley Paladino and her youngest son, Guy Wesley Paladino, of Tavares.
Guy Wesley Paladino, 2, who was called Wesley by family and friends, was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children following the tragic crash on State Road 46, where he later succumbed to his injuries and his mom, Kaley Paladino, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with severe injuries.
Little information is being released about the crash, as it is still under investigation, MDPD Chief Michael Gibson told Inside Lake. Paladino was driving a Dodge minivan when she collided with a semi with a flatbed trailer, Gibson said. The driver of the semi was not injured.
The investigation is ongoing and at press time, neither driver had been ticketed or charged, according to Gibson.
“Because of the nature of the investigation, we (MDPD) will not release investigative information until (it is) complete and reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office,” Gibson said in an email to Inside Lake.
A gofundme was created to assist the Paladino family with medical and memorial expenses, to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-and-medical-expenses-for-loving-family?fbclid=IwAR3KiaDFqQPa1c0wpi6XZ8C3WN-MuGZAM7q2qU6manfkm7tJ-GPMk60Cg84
“Guy Wesley was known for his cool calm demeanor and ever-present smile, always up for a hug which he could hold for hours. Kaley is known for her generous loving spirit and family first attitude,” the gofundme states.
At press time, the fundraiser had raised nearly $31,000 of its $100,000 goal.
