Deputies: Defect in car likely to blame

A six-year-old boy died late Wednesday after a car slipped out of park, rolled down a driveway and struck him, according to Fayette County sheriff's deputies.

The vehicle's transmission slipped out of park apparently due to a mechanical defect in the 1999 Chrysler Sebring, deputies said. The victim's 9-year-old sister was in the car at the time but her presence is not believed to be a factor, deputies said.

The keys were not in the car's ignition at the time of the incident, deputies said.

After it rolled down the driveway and struck the boy, the Chrysler came to rest against a tree, deputies said.

The investigation will include a comprehensive vehicle inspection, deputies said. Officials do not expect to file any criminal charges in connection with the incident.