The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 21-month-old Nyxailia Hinton, and no charges have been announced.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A 21-month-old girl died after falling and being struck by a vehicle during a visit to a pumpkin patch in Sevierville, according to authorities, as her family seeks answers about the circumstances that led to her death.
Nyxailia Hinton died Tuesday after the incident at a pumpkin patch on Happy Hollow Lane, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office said. Preliminary information released by officials indicated that she fell before being struck by a vehicle driven by a family friend. Authorities have not publicly explained how the child fell or what happened immediately before the collision.
The sheriff’s office said deputies, detectives, ambulance personnel and other emergency responders were sent to the scene. Nyxailia was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Investigators have not publicly identified the driver or released details about the vehicle involved.
Nyxailia’s mother, Peandra Hinton, told WVLT that her daughter had been in the care of a babysitter who took her to the pumpkin patch. Hinton said she had not approved the trip and did not know the group of people who were with her daughter. Those statements reflect the family’s account, and investigators have not publicly provided a detailed account addressing those circumstances.
Hinton said she went to the hospital after learning her daughter had been seriously injured. She remembered Nyxailia as a joyful child who could quickly lift the spirits of people around her. “She just lit up the room,” Hinton told WVLT. The family has begun making funeral arrangements following the toddler’s death.
Nyxailia’s father has also said the family wants answers and justice for the child. Authorities, however, have not announced criminal charges or publicly accused anyone of wrongdoing. The sheriff’s office has released only limited information while detectives continue investigating what happened at the property.
County official Tyler Basler said the preliminary investigation indicated that Nyxailia fell before being struck by the vehicle driven by a family friend. Officials have not publicly said where the child was immediately before the fall, how the vehicle was moving or whether investigators have determined what caused the sequence of events.
Authorities also have not announced whether speed, impairment or any other possible contributing factor played a role. No final determination of responsibility has been made public, and investigators have not released a timetable for completing the investigation or announcing additional findings.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. As of Oct. 30, no charges had been announced, leaving the circumstances surrounding Nyxailia’s death under review while her family waits for further information.
Author note: Last updated October 30, 2026.