LEHI — Family members identified the toddler who died Saturday after he was hit by an SUV, just days before his third birthday.
Tallin "Tui" Harding, 2, was described as a playful boy who loved his four siblings and "BYU blue." He would have turned 3 on April 9.
"He had his own little sense of humor, his own little personality," said Craig Harding, the boy's grandfather. "You love each kid in a different way and he was just a delightful child."
Tallin's mother, Nikki Harding, was driving the SUV that hit him, Craig Harding confirmed.
The accident happened at 5:35 p.m. Saturday at 3479 W. New Land Loop, Lehi Police Sgt. Bill Loveridge said.
Tallin was riding his scooter as his father, Kaj Harding, walked alongside. He was hit when he suddenly turned his scooter in front of his mother's SUV.
"He was smaller than the car, unseen, and it was just a tragic accident," Craig Harding said. "(Nikki) is just devastated."
Loveridge said police do not intend to issue any citations in the accident. "It was very traumatic for everybody," he said.
Neighbors tied blue ribbons outside the Harding home in Lehi in honor of the boy while hundreds of strangers offered their sympathies on social media, Craig Harding said.
"Kaj and Nikki wish to express their sincere appreciation to everyone reaching out to them," the grandfather said.
Tallin's family has set up an online donation account with YouCaring* in his memory.
Contributing: Sandra Yi
Email: mromero@deseretnews.com, Twitter: McKenzieRomero