Family Hit With Second Crushing Loss 3 Months After Suffering Exact Same Tragedy

(WatchDogReport.org) – A Florida family has been hit with a double tragedy within three months, losing two brothers in separate incidents.

25-year-old Dalton Penkacik was tragically killed around 1:15 a.m. on Dec. 1 while on his way to his job at an Amazon delivery center in Jacksonville. Police found his body on the inside southbound lane of Blanding Boulevard after an officer, responding to a different call, stumbled upon the scene. Dalton’s death mirrors the tragic loss of his younger brother, 12-year-old Brighton Penkacik, who was struck by a vehicle on his way to school three months earlier.

Brighton’s accident occurred on Sept. 1 while he was heading to a school bus stop. A dog chasing him reportedly led to him running onto the road, where he was hit by a Chevrolet Cruz. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities, but Brighton succumbed to his injuries. Shawnee Penkacik, Brighton’s mother, lamented, “He was the brightest light in our family of 12 kids.”

Dalton’s demise has left the Penkacik family reeling once again. His death comes as a shock and raises questions about the hit-and-run incident. His father, Jason Penkacik, expressed disbelief, stating, “Every day is a blessing! Hug your kids and tell them you love them.”

The heartbreaking loss of both brothers has left the Penkacik family devastated. The tragic incidents have also shone a light on the dangers faced by pedestrians in Florida, which is ranked as one of the most perilous states for pedestrians, recording 3.70 fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2022. The Penkacik family is currently grappling with immense pain and loss, seeking solace in their faith and the hope that “God will see us through,” as Shawnee Penkacik mentioned in a statement.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the recent hit-and-run incident that claimed Dalton Penkacik’s life to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community mourns the loss of these young lives and hopes for justice for the Penkacik family during this tragic time.