A 21-month-old child died after being struck this afternoon by a vehicle at Esse Health Center, 13303 Tesson Ferry Road.

Sgt. James McWilliams of the St. Louis County Police Department told the Call police received a call at roughly 12:41 p.m. a toddler was struck at the center. The toddler was identified by McWilliams as Kourtney Straughan.

David E. Hartenbach, chairman of Esse Health, issued the following statement in regard to the Kourtney’s death: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of this 21-month-old child in this tragic accident in the parking lot of our office earlier today. This family is well-known to us and we feel as a member of our own family has been lost today.

“Our prayers go out to this family in this very difficult time. Loss of any life is always difficult, but losing a young child like this is particularly tragic.  Our hearts are with the parents and other family members during this very hard time.”

McWilliams said the mother had three children with her, along with her sister. Kourtney’s siblings and aunt left the vehicle and went into Esse Health Center. The mother removed Kourtney from a car seat and as soon as she put Kourtney down, Kourtney crossed the parking lot and, in the process, was struck by a vehicle, according to McWilliams.

The driver of the vehicle, a 65-year-old man, is a physician at Esse Health Center and, according to McWilliams, attempted first aid at the scene.

McWilliams said the incident “appears to be accidental.”

Editor’s note: This article was updated at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 31, to include a statement from David Hartenbach of Esse Health.