Aiken County 5-year-old struck and killed by car ruled accidental

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The death of a 5-year-old struck and killed in Aiken County on New Year’s Eve was ruled accidental, officials say.

The coroner identified the victim as 5-year-old Merinn Purcell, who said she was in the front yard of a home on Raborn Road when she was struck by a car entering the property.

Based on information obtained from the scene and a medical examination, the sheriff’s office has ruled the incident as accidental, and no charges will be filed.

Purcell was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:36 p.m. on Dec. 31 after the coroner’s office, and crews responded shortly after 4 p.m.