Dangerous Trailers-Parade Float / Hayride Accidents

Girl Overrun by Float at Parade

2010-12-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

Bay County, Fla:

The Panama City Christmas parade almost takes a turn for the worst when a young girl is run over by one of the floats.

It happened Saturday night, directly in front of the Dan-D-Donuts and Deli shop on Harrison Avenue. Witnesses say the girl was trying to pick up candy, when the parade float ran over her foot.

The girl was not taken to the hospital. Panama City police officials confirm she was luckily not hurt.

Condition of girl hurt in parade improves Columbia Daily Tribune Published November 21, 2010 at 7:07 p.m. Advertisement A 7-year-old girl who was r

2010-12-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

Condition of girl hurt in parade improves

Published November 21, 2010 at 7:07 p.m.

A 7-year-old girl who was run over by a trailer during the Columbia Holiday Parade yesterday has been upgraded to good condition.

Shianne E. Nesmith was listed in stable condition yesterday evening after the 3:45 p.m. incident. The Columbia resident was pulled under a trailer during the parade, according to a Columbia police news release. The accident took place on Sixth Street between Broadway and Cherry streets.

The girl was participating in the Fairview United Methodist Little Bethlehem float, on a small trailer being pulled by a Dodge Durango truck. She approached the trailer to get more of the coins they were handing out, police said, when a piece of her clothing caught on the trailer and she was pulled underneath. A tire of the trailer ran over her, injuring the left side of her body. She was taken to University Hospital.

Police identified the truck’s driver as Jesse Munkirs, 61, of Columbia. Munkirs was not injured and was wearing a seat belt. There were two passengers in the trailer, another 7-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl. Neither was injured.

Girl in stable condition after being hit by parade float

2010-12-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ashley Blackstone 1 day ago

The Jacksonville Fire Department says a 6-year-old girl is in stable condition after she was hit by a parade float.

The accident happened Saturday around 1:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Christmas Parade.

Police say the girl was attempting to climb onto the float when she got hit. She was taken to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Firefighters say she had no signs of visible injury.

Student’s death raises safety concerns

2010-11-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

Student’s death raises safety concerns

By Raymond Legendre
Staff Writer

Published: Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:42 a.m.

THIBODAUX — When Nathan Trepagnier and his fraternity mates took a hayride down Audubon Avenue Saturday, they were participating in a homecoming activity, approved by Nicholls State University officials, that was supposed to be safe.

But in the wake of the 19-year-old Metairie native’s death, trailer manufacturers and law-enforcement officials have raised concerns about the safety of people riding on trailers meant to haul equipment.

Trepagnier was run over and killed after falling from a hayride traveling on Audubon Avenue Saturday afternoon, State Police said. Trepagnier, who had been sitting on bale of hay, was trying to reposition himself when he fell, authorities said. Toxicology results on Trepagnier are pending.

Trepagnier’s fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, had to register with the university to participate in the homecoming parade, university spokesman Graham Harvey said. University officials met Sept. 15 to review and assess campus activities, including safety measures.

Trepagnier’s death was the first of its kind during homecoming festivities, Harvey said. The university plans to review the State Police report on the student’s death before taking “all necessary measures,” the spokesman added.

The practice of using trailers in parades, whether Mardi Gras or homecoming, is not uncommon in south Louisiana, nor is it uncommon to see them used in hayrides around Halloween.

While these trailers are generally a part of slow-moving processions, that does not mean there is not some danger involved, authorities said.

“Any time you’re in any type of moving vehicle and not fastened in the vehicle, you’re at a risk,” State Police Sgt. Markus Smith said. Hayrides are particularly dangerous because they don’t have proper seating or restraints, he added.

The trailer Trepagnier was riding had a 1- to 2-foot-high railing, said Master Trooper Bryan Zeringue of State Police Troop C in Gray.

There were 22 people sitting in the truck and the trailer, he added, noting he did believe the trailer, itself, was overcrowded with people.

“They’re not moving fast, but you don’t have to be moving fast for anything to happen,” Zeringue said, adding the railings must be secure and high enough for people to fall, if trailers are going to be used to carry people in parades.

Without proper modifications, “trailers are not meant for people” and are meant for property carrying purposes, said Clint Lancaster, the technical director for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers.

On Sunday, Trepagnier’s father, Wilfred Trepagnier Jr., said there was no one to blame for his son’s death because it was a “freak accident.” He repeated that belief during a phone interview Wednesday.

As a member of the Krewe of Bacchus in New Orleans, Trepagnier’s father said he is no stranger to riding on floats. The parade’s members must wear a harness to ride, he said.

Asked if he could think of any similar precautions for a hayride, Trepagner’s father replied that he could not and added his son had been sitting down, which was a seemingly safe position.

“He just moved a little bit to get comfortable on the bale he was sitting on,” Trepagnier’s father said.

Attempts to contact Kappa Alpha Order adviser Mike Matherne, who was out of town, were unsuccessful.

Trepagnier’s Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nathan Scott Trepagnier Scholarship Fund at Holy Rosary Academy and High School, 3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, La. 70119.

Staff Writer Raymond Legendre can be reached at 448-7617 or raymond.legendre@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @cometcrime.

Animal Paradise Owner Talks About Hayride Accident

2010-11-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Credit http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=7174

Animal Paradise Owner Talks About Hayride Accident

See Video...Click Below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq-Azj2d9Qk

A day after a hayride accident sent a group of students to the hospital; Animal Paradise Family Fun Park owners speak out about the incident.

Eighteen high school students, mostly from Clever, were hurt when the tractor pulling the hayride trailer at Animal Paradise slid backwards, ejecting all the students. Thirteen of them were taken to Springfield hospitals.

The person with the worst injuries was the driver. Owner Lisa Ann Oddo says he has a broken rib, but doing fine. She says she's glad no one else was seriously hurt.

"Our hearts go out to the families, to the schools, to the parents. I'm a mother and I can completely relate if my child was on a field trip and had that experience, the fear that I would fear; we're just really glad that all the kids were okay." says Oddo.

The area attraction is back to operating on its regular schedule. Meantime, hospital officials at CoxHealth and St. John's say everyone involved has been treated and released.

Woman, 4 children injured in Millbrook accident. I added this to the Headline....NO lights,,,No Reflector Tape...

2010-11-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This is my addition...almost all Farm Trailers are in deplorable condition. These trailers are rusted, have questionable construction standards and YES DO NOT HAVE WORKING TAILLIGHTS AND DO NOT HAVE REFLECTOR TAPE.

I ask...send me the pictures of the trailer....

Woman, 4 children injured in Millbrook accident

Posted: Sunday, October 31, 2010 3:54 pm | Updated: 9:43 am, Tue Nov 2, 2010.

Kevin Taylor | 0 comments

MILLBROOK — Four children and one adult were injured in an accident on the 700 block of Myrick Road Saturday night in Millbrook.

The accident involved a tractor pulling a trailer with children and adults aboard and a 2006 Nissan Altima, which were traveling westbound on Myrick Road around 8:43 p.m., according to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.

“According to the driver of the Nissan, he did not see the trailer until he was up on it,” Johnson said. “The Nissan struck the trailer, causing it to overturn.”

Johnson said the trailer was carrying children and adults who were out in area neighborhoods trick or treating.

“I think they were wrapping up their trick or treating and were about to drop off one of the children when the accident happened,” Johnson said.

A 40-year-old woman, who was on the trailer, was airlifted to Baptist Medical Center South in Mont gomery with serious to critical injuries, Johnson said.

As of late Sunday afternoon, Johnson said the woman had suffered a broken leg, which may require surgery.

Three of the children on the trailer were transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, while another child was transported to Jackson Hospital in Montgomery.

The children were ranged in age from 7 to 10 years old, according to Johnson.

One of the children suffered a broken ankle, which may need surgery, Johnson said. The other three were treated and released from the hospital Saturday night.

The driver of the Nissan was a 30-year-old man from Deatsville and was not hurt, Johnson said.

“This appears to be nothing more than an unfortunate accident,” Johnson said. “There does not appear to be drugs or alcohol related to the accident.”

Johnson said he didn’t foresee any charges related to the accident forthcoming.

Hayride turns dangerous at Village of Terror ...Loose Trailer

2010-10-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

What started as a fun day at the Village of Terror turned into a frightening evening for people on a hayride that went hay-wire, rolling backwards down a hill and crashing into a carnival ride.

Correction:

The Village of Terror originally told WEAU 13 News the hayride crashed into the TIlt O Whirl ride. It actually crashed into a different ride next to it, a ferris-wheel-type ride with cages for people to sit in. The Village of Terror orgainzers apologize for the misinformation.

Original story:

What started as a fun day at the Village of Terror in Chippewa Falls turned into a frightening evening for people on a hayride that went hay-wire, rolling backwards down a hill and crashing into a carnival ride.

“I had my eyes shut the whole time because I thought I don’t want to see myself die, because I thought that we were going to,” says Amanda Weaver. “We were going so fast it was crazy.”

13 –year-old Weaver and her sister Mary say they've never been so scared as they were yesterday, when a hayride wagon at the Village of Terror came unhitched and went backwards down this hill, and into this ride.

“I had my eyes open the whole time and I thought the big ride was going to crash down on top of all of us,” says Mary Weaver.

“I got smashed like this in between (some poles) and that’s how my rib got bruised,” says Amanda.

Amanda went to the hospital, but says she's doing better. The Village of Terror organizers say they're not going to have hayrides anymore because of the terrain on the festival grounds.

“The hayride won’t be happening unless we can make sure it's 150 percent safe,” says spokesperson Julie Pangallo. “It's probably better left to apple orchards where they have flat fields.”

The staff say they apologize to anyone who got hurt, and they're working to make the festival safer.

“We’re very sorry for the scare. We're obviously here to scare people, but not like that,” says Pangallo.

The Weavers say there's no hard feelings and they'd like to return to the Village of Terror to see the rest of the show.

The Village of Terror says it tested the tractor and wagon for the hayrides, but never tried it with a full load before yesterday.

The Village of Terror staff also wants people to make sure they're respectful of the performers. Pangallo says yesterday some of the zombie characters were hit and had rocks thrown at them by kids and teens.

Comments:

Posted by: Amanda Location: chippewa falls on Oct 20, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Dave- the pin was found severed in half. Too much weight on the wagon and VERY small tractor.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Dave Location: Bloomer on Oct 20, 2010 at 07:42 AM

'Amanda' Stated she was on the hayride and the pin unhitched. I have been driving tractor & towing implements & machinery for over 30 years. When the hitch pin goes in, the safety clip is installed. ALWAYS!! This is fundamental tractor safety.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Buckers on Oct 19, 2010 at 09:42 AM

I was also on the hayride and the management was very concerned about us. As for the village, it was a lot of fun and brought my grandkids 2 nights for the free rides. As for hiring a child molester, how would the people know this. Well worth the money.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Halloween Fun on Oct 19, 2010 at 08:30 AM

I went to Valleyfair (aka Valleyscare) for their Halloween fun, it was the first time I've been there for Halloween. It was phenomenal! Granted it is more expensive than $19.00, but there weren't many people, most rides were open, and they really go all out. No one got hurt that I heard of!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: concerned Location: altoona on Oct 18, 2010 at 11:19 PM

This place should be shut down. Major safty issues not only with the equipment but with the people they hire. Whatever happened to background checks?
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 18, 2010 at 06:17 PM

I'm starting to wonder about this place. They hired that sexual predator DJ guy without a care. Doesn't sound like a very professional endeavor.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: concerned parent Location: eau claire on Oct 18, 2010 at 05:16 PM

How can carny rides, haywagon rides, haunted houses, be run without being to code? Drug pipes for sale? Now I hear a registered sex offender is selling tickets there. Obviously this company only cares about money and not the welfare and safety of our children. Very disapointed!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Lucie Location: Eau Claire, WI on Oct 18, 2010 at 04:49 PM

I wish people would stop overreacting. What would we do in this little hick town if we had an actual disaster happen? There is rarely anything to do in the Chippewa Valley, and with all of the exagerated complaints, they will probably not bring the Village back next year. I was there Friday and Saturday nights with groups of friends (ages 10-50) and it was amazing and worth every penny.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Anon Location: CF on Oct 18, 2010 at 04:03 PM

Wow - Now we find out that they are hiring sexual molesters to sell tickets. Shut this place down now !!!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: anonymous Location: eau claire on Oct 18, 2010 at 03:18 PM

group - If you're looking for a "family oriented" event, then why are you taking your daughter to a halloween event called Village of Terrors of all things?
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Joe Location: Eau Claire on Oct 18, 2010 at 09:52 AM

Save your money people.. waste of time and run by unsafe people.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: group Location: chippewa falls on Oct 18, 2010 at 12:13 AM

I want you all to know that I took my daughter there friday night... it sucked. I took my daughter on a ride and the cable broke. It gave us a good jolt. To pay $15 is a RIP OFF... and then to pay another $4 to do the maze... come on...there was only 2 haunted houses...no hayride...the rides were all breaking...we will not return there.. times are tough so they should at least make it worth the $19!!! one other thing that turned me off was that one of the stands is selling crack pipes or whatever u call them,.... that is not real family oriented if u ask me!! VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Emme on Oct 17, 2010 at 09:45 PM

'By the way, don't throw rocks at the monsters"... lol
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Beth Location: Cadott on Oct 17, 2010 at 04:42 PM

I love how at the end of this report the operators of the Village of Terror try to change the subject and say.."oh yeah...by the way, quit throwing rocks at the staff" Really??? Someone could have been seriously hurt...I really don't think that comment applies here.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Amanda Location: chippewa falls on Oct 17, 2010 at 03:26 PM

I WAS ON THE RIDE. im amanda and no i was not there to get my rib cage bruised. not even on the outside but its on the inside. and the pin DID come unhitched. we saw it and stuff. this story is correct., but my friend lily was with me to.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: mary Location: eau claire on Oct 17, 2010 at 08:14 AM
To musky hunter... yes, I am assuming that the hitch pin would be most likely to fail, and clip in the pin.. and safety chains. Otherwise, it would be the drawbar or truck hitch (which is attached with pin) or the wagon tongue coming unbolted. I have been hauling loads with tractors for more than 30 years. With farming, "Safety First" is a must for our lives and livelihood. I did and do read articles, and think about them before I'd jump the gun and make a comment or criticism.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Anon Location: Menomonie on Oct 16, 2010 at 08:32 PM

We attended the village of terror last night, I do believe there are ALOT of safety concerns. The maze has very uneven ground and the fencing is very sharp and narrow. I hit my head and my husband ripped his sweatshirt on a nail that was in the fencing....it is very dark and dangerous especially with the uneven ground!! It is a fun place to go but they really do mean...ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: janice Location: chippewa co. on Oct 16, 2010 at 06:53 PM

By the time this fiasco is done, there will be plenty of terror to go around. Imagine the nightmares these children will have. Money talks!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Musky Hunter Location: Tuscobia on Oct 16, 2010 at 04:35 PM

I honestly believe that the majority of posters, post comments withhout even reading the story.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Musky Hunter Location: Tuscobia on Oct 16, 2010 at 04:33 PM

Mary, you must have read a different story than I did. I read nothing that mentioned the lack of a hitch pin, or are you speculating? There a several scenarios that could have went wrong, EVEN with a hitch pin in place.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: deb Location: Eau Claire on Oct 16, 2010 at 03:10 PM

what about safety chains? or a trailer break? i'm required to have those just to pull my unloaded boat down the street!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Linda Location: Chippewa on Oct 16, 2010 at 08:51 AM

I attended the Village of Terror and I thought it was very entertaining and well put together. Accidents happen, thankfully no one was hurt. Lesson learned..
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: CFMom Location: CF on Oct 16, 2010 at 08:38 AM

There was a teenager last night that fell through the flooring in one of the spook houses. Sounds like there are plenty of safety concerns there!
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: Ray Location: Rice Lake on Oct 16, 2010 at 05:51 AM

It "IS" called the Village of "Terror" isn't it? You're there to be "scared", so it sounds like everyone on the ride got what they wanted, a scare.
[ Report Abuse ]

Posted by: mary Location: eau claire on Oct 15, 2010 at 06:39 PM

Do they know nothing of a clip for a hitch pin???? Anyone worthy of pulling any load - much less a load of people - should know that as a VERY BASIC safety measure. For crying out loud!!
[ Report Abuse ]

Two injured during drunken hayride

2010-10-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

Two injured during drunken hayride

By Danny Beers | Fox59

Story posted 2010.10.23 at 09:24 PM EDT

Benton County, Ind.-- A late evening hayride Friday night sends two to area hospitals and two land in jail on alcohol charges in Benton County.

Around 10:30 p.m. Friday, a tractor pulling a hay wagon driven by 22-year-old Aaron Hawkins of Fowler, IN was northbound on State Road 71 north of County Road 200 north when two occupants of the hay wagon fell onto the roadway.

The tractor continued north, dragging the victims until they were able to get Hawkins’ attention to stop.

Kate Henry, 18, and Gregory John Burkert, 20, both from Fishers, IN were injured and transported to St. Elizabeth Central and Clarion Arnett Hospitals in Lafayette, IN with head injuries and complaint of stomach pains.

The driver, Aaron Hawkins was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury and was taken to Benton County Jail.
Story posted 2010.10.23 at 09:24 PM EDT

Two injured, two arrested in drunken hay ride

Updated: Oct 24, 2010 10:30 AM EDT

Benton County - A late night hay ride in Fowler ended with two people in the hospital and two others arrested.

It happened at around 10:20 pm Friday night. Police say Aaron Hawkins, 22, of Fowler, was driving a John Deere tractor pulling a hay wagon northbound on State Road 71 north of County Road 200. Two of the people riding in the hay wagon fell out, but police say Hawkins didn't realize it. He continued driving the tractor, dragging the victims until they got his attention.

Police say Kate Henry, 18, and Gregory John Burkert, 20, both of Fishers, were injured. They were taken to local hospitals to be treated for head lacerations and stomach pain.

Police arrested Hawkins and charged him with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. Kathryn Pack, 19, of Munster, was also at the scene and was charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Both Hawkins and Pack were taken to the Benton County Jail.

Indiana State Trooper Josh Edwards investigated the incident with assistance from Benton County Sheriff's Department, Fowler Police Department, and the Benton County Ambulance Service.

By Alex Brown
10/24/2010

Two people are in jail and two others in the hospital after a late-night hayride in Benton County Friday night.

Our partners at Fox59 report 22 year-old Aaron Hawkins was driving a tractor pulling a hay wagon northbound on State Road 71 north of County Road 200 North when two occupants of the wagon fell onto the roadway.

The tractor continued going, dragging the victims until they could get Hawkins' attention to stop.

18 year-old Kate Henry and 20 year-old Gregory Burkert were taken to the hospital with head injuries and stomach pains.

Hawkins was taken to the Benton County Jail and is being charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. 19 year-old Kathryn Pack was also taken to jail for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Child dies on festival hay ride

2010-10-24T08:13:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010

10 Comments

Child dies on festival hay ride

WOOLMARKET — A 12-year-old boy, injured at a church festival tonight, has died. Timothy Kirby, the son of Rev. Edwin Kirby, pastor of First United Methodist Church, died from blunt force trauma to the head, said Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove. Timothy and some other children were jumping on and off a hay ride and “got tangled in the wheels on the trailer,” Hargrove said.

The accident occurred about 7:50 p.m. He was treated at the scene and taken to Biloxi Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m.

The church is located on Mississippi 67 North.

Read more about it in tomorrow’s Sun Herald.

Showing 10 comments

Sort by

996699 18 minutes ago

Posted On: August 2, 2010 by Jeffrey M. Reiff
Tragic Hay Ride Amusement Death Spotlights Minimal Laws and Regulations Concerning Safety and Regard For Life

This was posted August 2, 2010 over 2 months ago...

http://www.philadelphiainjuryattorneyblog.com/2010/08/tragic_hay_ride_amusement_deat_1.html

We were Featured !!! and yet they keep sweeping this critical issue under the rug. When will they start to listen and implement our suggestions? We are ready to help!

and this...
Hayride death spotlights lack of safety laws
woman died after hayride crash
By Katie Saltz - ksaltz@herald-leader.com

JULY 7, 2010
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/07/07/1338681/hayride-death-spotlights-lack.html

An accident happens when no warning or prior accidents of similar events happened. We have been sounding the alarm that we can prevent!!

Here is an e mail why does she get the message?

Mr. Melancon:

You may be the best informed person on trailer accidents I have ever seen. I am trying to compile statistics about parade related deaths and hoped you might be able to help. My interest is more in the direction of preventing people from throwing candy, as we have had several near misses. I am the head of our Christmas Parade Committee and would like to have the information to provide to our local media. Do you have statistics on parade related deaths and/or serious injury, from candy, trailer/loat mishaps, or anything else that you could provide to me? Any help would be much appreciated and credited on our little blog (miracle-on-kansas.blogspot.com)

Flag

Valhalla2 24 minutes ago

God's will?

Flag

996699 50 minutes ago

Flag

thepinkfaerie13 50 minutes ago

My prayers are with the family and friends, this is just so sad :(

Flag

996699 56 minutes ago

Look at this...
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti-teenager-meets-rescuers-who-saved-his-life-after-hayride-accident/

and this.

The family of Jacob George, a nine-year-old who was severely injured when he fell from a Halloween hayride two years ago, got a boost in both funding and morale on Sunday when the little boy was the beneficiary of a Home Run Derby last weekend.
http://baskingridge.patch.com/articles/charity-event-hits-a-home-run#photo-2416192

Please know that every one of these accidents were completely preventable! This critical issue and the total lack of any government action is simply mind numbing!

It simply is heart breaking to know that yet another "Preventable" hayride accident will happen or more in the coming weeks and we have the knowledge and Suggestions to prevent and this is totally unacceptable.

Where else do you suggest how we might get our message out? Nobody in Government seems to care.

Flag

996699 1 hour ago

Confused.....I am not using this as a soapbox....keep in mind...Halloween is next week!! and while this is a tragic accident we might prevent another tragic accident in the coming weeks!!! We are not trying to regulate everything.....we are asking for a simple set of rules when you use a Hayride!!!!!
If we keep sweeping this critical issue under the rug....when will the time come to help find ways to reduce and prevent injuries? When the next child looses his or her life?

Believe me...I morn every time I have to report this type of accident!!!! I grieve also!!!! I stay up at night asking why!!

I have been asked to help by other Hayride organizations and parade float organizations and have made a difference and none that have asked for my suggestions has had any injuries or loss of life!!

Look....I have been self funded....and in no way have gained financially for my actions..in fact I may loose everything I have because I have been addressing this for 8 years!!

Are you going to call this mom insensitive also? She said this back in September of this year...
http://dangeroustrailersparadefloat.blogspot.com/

See this quote from my State Senator!!!!
We were honored to have a letter of nomination see full letter here:
http://www.dangeroustrailers.org/Nomination_By_Senator_VA.html
Quote " Ron contacted insurance companies, trailer companies and the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and received no assistance.
He decided to "go it alone", distributing flyers, which he printed himself, talking
to state and federal political representatives, letters to newspapers, researching
trailer safety and accidents, establishing a web site."

This just happened In Georgia...
Hayride Accident in Douglas Injures 27 People,
By Associated Press Writer | (AP)
Published: October 18, 2010

In closing....we don't accept the continued loss of life due to this!!!! Prove us wrong..if you can't then why should someone else get hurt or loose their lives...this coming week!!!

We do not accept knowing that we can prevent another family from this! This is preventable.

Flag

SteveSchlicht 2 hours ago

There are venues to mourn, there are venues to inform and there are venues where all views can be explored in the open marketplace of ideas.

An online Sun Herald discussion forum should be considered the latter as it is neither the funeral home nor the capitol building.

The facts and circumstances as reported seem to support a need for social activism and examination as offered by 996699.

Just as many other tragic circumstances have ultimately brought about beneficial change (Amber Alerts, etc), I think that we can show our most sincere condolences to the Kirby family while also expend some energy looking for ways to prevent such tragedies from happening to anyone else.

"Not, how did he die, but how did he live
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth
Of each human child from the moment of birth.

Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed
But had he befriended those really in need?

Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many did love him when he passed away?"

Our deepest sympathies to all of the friends and family of Timothy Kirby.

Flag

1 person liked this.

confused 1 hour ago in reply to SteveSchlicht

I am amazed that people want to regulate everything yet they also say they don't want the government in their business. They complain about big government yet they want "Big Brother" to look after them. Make up your minds. We have been having hayrides for hundreds of years without incident, this is a tragic accident that no amount of regulation could have prevented. We have been having parades for years without incidents. It just seems as though those who cry "we must regulate " are the same ones who want to less govenrment intervention into their private life.
I am done,

Flag

confused 2 hours ago

Could you possibly be a little more insensetive!!!!! How dare you use the death of this young man for your personal agenda and soapbox.. Let this family and their extended family grieve without your meddling. If you want a law changed go see Gene Taylor not espouse your foolishness in this manner. The family is hurting and you want to heap more stuff on top of them. Shame on you!!!!!!!

Flag

996699 3 hours ago

We are simply heartbroken once again. This the 5 loss of life and over 10 serious injury in just two months. The lack of action is totally unacceptable. Why does this family need to be going through this?

Please,,,,Please,.... on July 12, 2010 of this year and for the past 5 years we have been warning of the injuries and loss of lives due to Hayride trailers and Parade Float trailers. Please note that www.dangeroustrailers.org has documented and documented accidents from "Passenger Cars That tow Trailers"

This loss of life was totally preventable if we simply had a NATIONWIDE SET of safety instructions and rules. We don't think Utility Trailers should be used in this manner.

Note that this week Graco recalls 1.5 Baby Cribs due to 7 baby injuries in 5 years...but we have 5 deaths from September and October and NOTHING IS DONE!!! Wake Up. How many lives need to be lost due to this unregulated and no national standard!!

Tragic Hay Ride Amusement Death Spotlights Minimal Laws and Regulations Concerning Safety and Regard For Life

2010-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

« Previous | Home | Next »

Posted On: August 2, 2010 by Jeffrey M. Reiff

Tragic Hay Ride Amusement Death Spotlights Minimal Laws and Regulations Concerning Safety and Regard For Life

As an experienced hay ride accident and amusement accident lawyer who regularly investigates and prosecutes hay ride accident cases, I salute the efforts of government officials in Kentucky to investigate safety laws on hay rides after the death of a 44-year-old woman. The victim, Terry Hurley, was killed after a tractor and hay ride wagon carrying 30 people on a farm jackknifed on a hill and began to slide down the hill. Investigators indicated that the tractor began to slide coming down a hill and the trailer then jackknifed at which point the victim was thrown off and struck by a wagon wheel. She was pronounced dead of head and chest injuries at the hospital. Five other people sustained injuries as well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victims.

As an attorney who has investigated and prosecuted hay ride cases, I am surprised that there are no stringent regulations concerning who can operate farm vehicles. In this case, Dale Dobson, head of the Farm Safety Program for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture stated that Kentucky has no regulations concerning who can operate farm vehicles. “There are no laws and we don’t need any laws,” he stated.

Ron Melancon, a former medical emergency technician from Richmond, Virginia, has been a stalwart consumer advocate promoting stringent safety regulations to prevent injuries and deaths resulting from defective trailers. Ron regularly collects information regarding deaths and accidents involving trailers and farm vehicles and knows that people operating hay rides or trailers often don’t even know how to work the lights or connect the trailer properly. Ron states, “a lot of trailers out there are just in bad condition.” For more information go to Ron’s website at www.dangeroustrailers.org or visit our website www.reiffandbily.com and click on our dedicated subsections devoted to defective trailers and hay ride accidents.

Many trailers are homemade and do not require licenses to operate. Nobody is there to verify that it is safe. Unfortunately, many of the laws being used in 2010 are from the 1920's and 30's. Not so surprisingly, in excess of 400,000 people a year are injured in trailer accidents in the United States and many of these unfortunately involve children and unsuspecting patrons at Halloween hay rides. We recently concluded a case where a young man and his mother were run over by the wheels of a Halloween hay ride amusement ride.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hay ride, amusement, or defective trailer accident, please contact one of our attorneys for a free no obligation consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

Posted by Jeffrey M. Reiff | Permalink | Email This Post

Hayride death spotlights lack of safety laws

2010-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Jul. 07, 2010

Comments (17) | Recommend (1)

Hayride death spotlights lack of safety laws

woman died after hayride crash

By Katie Saltz - ksaltz@herald-leader.com

As police investigate the death of a woman thrown from a hay wagon Saturday, a Kentucky agriculture official says there are few laws concerning safety on farm vehicles.

Terri Hurley, 44, was killed after a wagon carrying 30 people on a Mercer County farm jackknifed on a hill. Investigators have said the tractor pulling the trailer began to slide coming down a hill and the trailer then jackknifed. Hurley was thrown off and struck by a trailer wheel. She was taken to James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital in Harrodsburg, where she was pronounced dead of head and chest injuries.

Five other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, a deputy coroner said.

Kentucky State Police are waiting for toxicology reports of the driver.

Dale Dobson, head of the Farm Safety Program through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, said the state does not have any regulations concerning who can operate farm vehicles.

"There are no laws, and we don't need any laws," he said.

Dobson said the death rate from farm-equipment accidents has decreased from 50 a year in the mid-1990s to 13 or 14 a year in the late 2000s. The safety program educates farmers on how to prevent accidents and trains emergency responders on how to handle accidents.

"We educate that it is your life, your family, your farm and your responsibility," Dobson said.

Ron Melancon, a former emergency medical technician in Richmond, Va., collects information regarding deaths and accidents involving trailers and farm vehicles, and he said changes need to be made in Kentucky law. People often don't know how to work lights or connect a trailer properly, he said.

"A lot of trailers out there are in bad condition," said Melancon, who runs the Web site www.dangeroustrailers.org. "There is no training in how to drive one with people in it; they are meant for cargo."

Melancon said the crashes occur because many wagons used by families are homemade and do not require a license to operate.

"Nobody is verifying what you are building is safe," he said. "We are using 1930 laws in 2010."

Mark Purschwitz, an extension professor in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, said that when a wagon or trailer jackknifes, it is usually because the tractor pulling the wagon could not handle the load.

"People think the tractor just needs to be big enough to pull the load, but it also has to be big enough to stop it," said Purschwitz, who specializes in farm health and safety through the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention.

Because farm work is often shared among a family, including children, Purschwitz said, regulations probably won't change because of deep-held farm traditions.

"There are so many variables and so many different situations that occur with farm work, so the tradition has been to leave it as an issue of personal responsibility," he said.

Melancon began his Internet project in 2003 after he rear-ended a trailer while driving his ambulance. He said the trailer was black with wire mesh and the lights were so low he couldn't see them. He was found not guilty in the collision, began researching trailer accidents and realized how many people were at risk for injury or death because of improper use of farm vehicles.

According to data he has gathered, Melancon said, more than 400 people a year are killed in trailer accidents in the United States. He said people might not realize the frequency of farm-vehicle accidents.

"Newspapers report a freak accident here and a freak accident there, and no one notices it is a national problem," he said.

Purschwitz said calls for reform on farm-vehicle regulations usually come from people outside the world of agriculture. He said some people want to require a license to use farm equipment, while "old-timer" farmers respond that they began operating tractors well before their teen years.

"There has to be a middle ground," Purschwitz said.

Melancon said he has pushed for new trailer laws in Virginia and is pushing for change in other states. Hearing about Hurley's death only reinforced his desire to reform state regulations.

"It is horrific, and it bothers me," he said.

Hurley was a meter reader for American Water Co. She is survived by her parents, Harold and Patricia Ann Hurley of Harrodsburg, and a brother, James Harold Hurley of Burgin.

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at Immanuel Baptist Church in Danville. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Ransdell Funeral Chapel in Harrodsburg is in charge of arrangements.

Herald-Leader staff writer Karla Ward and the Associated Press contributed to this story.

Teen run over by trailer during Hayride of Horrors

2010-10-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

A 15-year-old boy was run over by a trailer during the Heritage Haunt event Friday night in Newhall, sheriff’s officials said Saturday.

He is in stable condition, according to the report.

The Hayride of Horrors volunteer was portraying a character along the hayride route as part of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society’s Halloween celebration at William S. Hart Park.

As the victim approached the hayride trailer, he slipped and was run over by the tires of the trailer, according to the report from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and about 13 passengers were on the trailer that was being towed by a truck, according to the report.

The victim endured significant injuries and was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.

The SCV Historical Society declined to comment Saturday about the incident.

The haunted hayride, which is the longest hayride in Los Angeles County, continued Saturday during the annual Pumpkin Festival at Hart Park.

Teenager Run Over By Trailer At Local Event

2010-10-24T07:37:00.001-07:00

Written by Christopher Glotfelty

Saturday, 23 October 2010 14:31

According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, on Friday night, a 15-year-old male was accidentally run over by a trailer during a Halloween-themed event at William S. Hart Park in Old Town Newhall.

The teenager was playing a character in the Heritage Haunt Hayride of Nightmares, the longest and largest hayride in Los Angeles County. Upon going to entertain some attendees in the trailer, which was reportedly carrying 13 people, he slipped, fell and was run over by the trailer.

The trailer was being towed by a pick-up truck when the accident occurred.

The victim was treated at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital for significant injuries, but is currently listed in stable condition.

Child dies on festival hay ride

2010-10-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

The accident occurred about 7:50 p.m. He was treated at the scene and taken to Biloxi Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m.

The church is located on Mississippi 67 North.

Read more about it in tomorrow’s Sun Herald.

Ypsilanti teenager meets rescuers who saved his life after hayride accident

2010-10-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

Posted: Mar 31, 2010 at 8:44 AM [Mar 31, 2010]

The day 14-year-old Jordan Hogg was injured in a hayride accident, doctors weren't sure he'd live, and if he did, they predicted he'd have to endure a lengthy recovery period in the hospital.

But Jordan did live and left the hospital long before doctors expected. Monday, he got the chance to thank his rescuers personally in a tearful gathering in Hamburg Township, the Livingston Daily reports.

Jordan suffered serious injuries last Oct. 17 when he fell off the hayride trailer and it ran over him, the article said. The trailer crushed his airway, and one of his legs was wrapped around its axle.

At the Hamburg Township Fire Station Monday, Jordan and his mom, Amy Hogg, thanked the emergency responders who saved his life.

"My heart is so full, it feels so good to tell these people I'm thankful," Jordan told the Livingston Daily. "They saved me. You know, it's like they're brothers and sisters."

Read the Livingston Daily article.

A nine-year-old who was severely injured when he fell from a Halloween hayride

2010-10-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Charity Home Run Derby Hits a Home Run

Event organized by two local fifth graders to help family of nine-year-old injured in Halloween hayride accident.

By Terry Boudreau and Linda Sadlouskos

It couldn't have been a warmer welcome to Basking Ridge.

The family of Jacob George, a nine-year-old who was severely injured when he fell from a Halloween hayride two years ago, got a boost in both funding and morale on Sunday when the little boy was the beneficiary of a Home Run Derby last weekend.

The Home Run Derby for Jacob was the idea of 10-year-old James Catapano and his best friend, Danny Gattoni, both fifth graders at the township's Cedar Hill School. Counting some previous donations, the boys and Sunday's derby have raised $7,500 to help Jacob's family, new residents who recently moved in from neighboring Long Hill Township.

The Home Run Derby attracted almost 90 participants in grades 4 to 6, and

at least 250 people overall at the event held Sunday afternoon at the Basking Ridge Little League off Valley Road, said John Catapano, James' father. All of the participating ballplayers received prizes, sports memorabilia and even got to meet Oakland A's hitter and outfielder Jack Cust, he said. Cust, a New Jersey resident, stopped by to greet children and make a generous donation, John Catapano said.

"It was very spiritual," the older Catapano said of the afternoon. About 100 children lined up to touch and shake the hand of Jacob, whose parents brought him in his wheelchair for about an hour or so, he said.

"It was so heartening. There's a tremendous burden on us," said Geor ge Avirappattu, Jacob's father. The family just moved into the township at the end of September, he said

Friends reaching out to help a new friend: Little Leaguers Justin Pavlik, James Catapano and Matthew Page before Sunday afternoon's Home Run Derby, organized on Sunday at the Basking Ridge Little League complex to raise funds for Jacob George, a 9-year-old boy who recently moved into the township. Two years ago, Jacob was severely injured and incapacitated when he fell off a Halloween hayride. James came up with the idea after learning about Jacob at O'Bagel in Dewey Meadow Village. He helped bring together the event by working with his best friend, Danny Gattoni, another fifth grader at the township's Cedar Hill Elementary School. The derby drew about 90 participants in grades 4 to 6, said John Catapano, James' father. Along with other donations, the derby has raised about $7,500 to assist Jacob's family in building a shower that can accommodate a wheelchair or to purchase some other therapeutic equipment for the boy, Catapano said. Credit Terry Boudreau

27 Injured In Church Hayride Crash

2010-10-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

27 Injured In Church Hayride Crash

Posted: 11:45 am EDT October 18, 2010Updated: 12:01 pm EDT October 18, 2010

DOUGLAS, Ga. -- Two people were in serious condition after a car struck a trailer carrying a church group on a hayride in Douglas, injuring 27 people.Pastor Hilton Martin told the Waycross Journal-Herald that the accident happened Friday night when a car hit a trailer being pulled slowly along Route 64. The names of the victims were not immediately available. All are expected to survive.The pastor said the trailer was supposed to be on the road a short distance before turning off. He said the hayride's driver saw the car approaching from behind but thought there was enough time to safely travel the span.The impact tossed one victim into the road. Another person's leg was broken in three places and required surgery. Copyright 2010

WASHTENAW COUNTY: Mother warns of dangers involving hayrides after son's tragedy Published: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

2010-10-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

WASHTENAW COUNTY: Mother warns of dangers involving hayrides after son's tragedy

Published: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

By Steven Howard, Heritage Newspapers

It only took a split second for a beloved fall tradition to permanently alter the life of Milan High School student Jordan Hogg, and his mother, Amy, is now speaking out on the potential hidden dangers associated with hayrides.

In October 2009, Jordan was a passenger on a hayride as part of a seasonal outing with his church's youth group.

"Jordan was sitting on top of the utility trailer on top of a bail of hay," Amy Hogg said, citing the presence of another family member participating in the ride.

After going over a small bump at a low speed, something went wrong.

"My niece said to me, 'I was looking at him one minute and the next he was gone,'" Hogg said.

Jordan had fallen off the trailer, attempting to hang on to a bail of hay that went with him in the fall.

Once on the ground, he went under the wheel of the wagon, which ran over his head and tangled his leg in the spokes.

Given the extent of his injuries, Hogg said Jordan was not expected to survive, with responding firefighters telling her the prognosis was not good.

"They didn't expect him to live," she said.

However, Jordan did survive, but is still struggling with brain damage and other physical problems associated with the accident.

He has various doctor appointments most every day.

"He deals with migraines and a lot of cramping in his legs," she said. "His brain is trying to reroute around the dead area."

Hogg said she doesn't want anyone else to have to go through the struggle that Jordan and her family have dealt with for the last year.

That is why she has begun to advocate precaution as hayride season gets under way.

"I am not asking people to not have, or go on, hayrides," she said, "but I am asking people to use common sense when doing these things."

Hogg said utility trailers are not regulated the way cars and other vehicles are, so it's up to parents to use common sense to determine if the wagon in question is appropriately safe for their children.

"Make sure there are sides on the trailer," she said, indicating the need for all passengers to be seated low and within the confines of the railings.

Hogg said one of Jordan's biggest mistakes was not sitting properly on the wagon, which wouldn't have been possible if railings existed.

"They need to have rails," she said. "If they don't have rails, they shouldn't be on them."

Another safety concern, said Hogg, is the lack of available communication between the back of the trailer and the driver.

The noise associated with the tractor's engine is enough to prevent the driver from hearing important information, Hogg said, such as the need to stop in case of an emergency.

"Make sure there is some way to communicate between the people in the back of the wagon and the person driving," she said.

Hogg also warns that simply because an adult is present on the hayride, parents should not let down their guard.

"There were adults on with Jordan," she said, adding these types of accidents often happen so fast no one has proper time to react.

Most of all, Hogg said parents shouldn't assume because they have participated in hayrides in the past without witnessing any severe injuries that it is not possible.

"There are deaths every year from this," she said.

With a bit of precaution, Hogg said other families can avoid the pain and suffering her family had had to endure over the past year.

"I would never wish another family to go through what we did," she said. "You wouldn't let your kid sit on the window of a car, so don't let them sit on the side of a trailer."

Hogg said she intends to eventually gather her precautionary advice in the form of a website and continue to advocate for safer hayrides.

"Educate yourself before writing this whole thing off to a mom taking an accident and going overboard with it," she said. "Get on the Internet and read for yourself."

Steven Howard can be reached at 429-7380 or showard@heritage.com. Follow his blog at http://heritageweststaffblog.blogspot.com.

Boy, 13, injured in parade-float accident It happend again

2010-10-02T04:56:00.001-07:00

By Russ Oechslin Journal correspondent | Posted: Friday, October 1, 2010 5:40 pm | Loading…

MILFORD, Iowa -- A 13-year-old boy suffered unspecified injuries this afternoon when he was apparently run over by the wheels of a parade float used earlier in the Okoboji High School homecoming parade.

Okoboji Community Schools Superintendent Bob Miller said the sixth-grader was taken to Lakes Area Regional Health Center by ambulance with an air splint on his leg. He said he believed the boy's injuries were not life-threatening.

The boy, whose name was not released, had been riding on the float as a member of a sixth-grade youth football team, according to Milford Police Chief Vernon Flack.

The incident occurred in the football field parking lot shortly after 3 p.m. as other students were leaving on the float to go to another school.

Flack was still investigating and talking with those at the scene late this afternoon and said he did not know who was driving the float when the accident happened.

Flack added that the boy was conscious and talking in the ambulance.

Hayride Goes Haywire, Injured Students To Be OK

2010-10-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hayride Goes Haywire, Injured Students To Be OK

By Elizabeth Braun, Lauren Leamanczyk, Heather Shannon, Jay Sorgi, and Vince Vitrano

Story Created: Sep 29, 2010

Story Updated: Oct 1, 2010

FREDONIA - The principal of Ozaukee High School says that three of the five students that went to a hospital after an accident during a homecoming celebration will probably attend school Thursday.

"They're all fine," said Principal Kevin Parker on 620WTMJ's "Wisconsin's Morning News" on Thursday morning.

Parents say every year just before the powder puff football game, juniors ride in a hay wagon or trailer while seniors throw water balloons, ketchup, powdered sugar and other things at them.

Witnesses say this year the girls in the wagon all moved to one side to avoid getting hit, and the trailer tipped over because of the weight and trapped them underneath.

Megan Janke was in the wagon when it happened.

"Everyone leaned to one side and it was like slow motion and it went down and it landed on some people," says Janke to TODAY'S TMJ4's Heather Shannon.

"Everyone was screaming and trying to get out, and started lifting it back up and everyone was still in the wagon, so people were just jumping all over the place."

Screams could be heard as the wagon tipped over, then sires replaced screams as ambulances races to the accident location.

"The wagon was on top of (one girl's) leg," said Brook Scheller, who was riding on the wagon.

The injuries were limited to banged-up legs, ankles and hips - nothing that was life-threatening.

One of the injured girls was Aman Gill. Her father tells TODAY'S TMJ Reporter Lauren Leamanczyk that the girls had spent all week preparing for the event. "The girls had so much fun," he said.

Gill says his daughter was crying and in pain at the hospital. She suffered a bruised hip and strained her neck. Aman returned to school Thursday.

Despite his daughter's injuries, Gill says he doesn't want the tradition to end.

Parker said that the event which led to the accident will be reviewed as to whether it will happen in future years.

Parker also explained that the homecoming events for the weekend will continue.

Tragic death of Nicholls student devastates community Katelyn Thibodeaux Issue date: 9/30/10 Section: News

2010-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

Tragic death of Nicholls student devastates community

Katelyn Thibodeaux

Issue date: 9/30/10 Section: News

The Nicholls community, family, friends and the men of Kappa Alpha fraternity mourn the loss of a fallen brother.

Nathan Trepagnier, 19, was killed Saturday when he fell off of the Kappa Alpha hayride and was run over on Bowie Rd. during Homecoming festivities. Witnesses said they thought he was trying to re-position himself when he fell.

"It was really just a freak accident," Nathan's father, Wilfred Trepagnier Jr., said. "There's nobody to blame. It was just an unfortunate accident."

However, Nathan's family and friends are no longer talking about his death but his life.

Every friend of Nathan described him as an amazing person who lived an amazing life.

"He was quiet, but he was very strong internally, and that's what people liked about him," Wilfred said.

Most people referred to Nathan as "selfless," and this shows in a post on his Facebook wall from Hailey Garner.

"First off, I just wanted to say thank you for saving my life when I was younger and jumping in a pool with your clothes on and no floaties," Garner said. "I don't think I ever got the chance to really thank you for that, and I wish I had."

Nathan attended Holy Rosary High School in Metairie, La, which was established for his freshman year in 2005. He had previously attended Holy Rosary Academy for grade school.

Michael Binder, Holy Rosary principal, said Nathan was a vital part in establishing the high school.

"He created a Holy Rosary High School application himself and submitted it before we had a faculty, a campus or even an application form," Binder said. "He participated in much of the planning of HRHS, including student activities, spirit and the make-up of the school. He selected the senior ring that our students now wear and helped develop our school's crest. Nathan earned many distinctions during his high school years, including becoming the Valedictorian of his senior class."

At HRHS, Nathan started the student council and eventually became the president. Binder said he was an extraordinary minister of communion and the lead alter server.

"I admired him for how good of a person he was," Binder said. "He was able to help people who needed help, and he was able to lead when we needed a student leader. He made a huge impression on me and the rest of the school and community as well."

Nathan also had an impact on his teachers.

"Nathan always struck me as a man who lived life to the fullest with few, if any, regrets," Bernard De Santis III, one of Nathan's high school teachers, said. "Such a life prepares one for one's own death whenever it may come and leads to eternal life afterwards. My sorrow is much less for Nathan than for myself and the countless others who were not prepared for his passing."

Nathan even had an impact on those he met only in passing.

"Nathan was an incredible person for the few times I ever interacted with him and just an all around great guy," Veronica Wilkins, student at Holy Rosary, said. "They say things happen for a reason, but things like this, we wish wouldn't. What's happened is extremely tragic, but its gotten all of us to come to reality and know not to take advantage of anything and be grateful for what we have, because it could be gone in a matter of seconds."

The Nicholls community had the same reaction as much of his grade school and high school peers.

The day of Nathan's death, the Greek community at Nicholls put aside their war and came together unlike ever before for a prayer service in memory of Nathan.

"I never thought I would experience such shock in my life," Lacey Angeron, junior and this year's homecoming queen, said in a Facebook comment to Nathan after his passing. "We'll miss you around this place, buddy. I wish our love could bring you back. I'm so glad I got to know you. You wouldn't imagine the impact you had on the Greek community at Nicholls today. You'd be proud."

Nathan's fraternity brothers' comments could not be published due to National rules and limitations.

Nathan's Facebook wall was flooded with comments from students, friends, family and fraternity brothers with everything from personal notes written to Nathan, to those expressing how much of an impact he had in their life.

Wilfred, Nathan's father, left his son a comment while expressing his thankfulness to everyone who also left comments.

"Nathan-my love, my son. I will never forget you as long as I live. I know you're sitting at the right side of God. To all the people who wrote on this wall, just a thank you from my heart. Please keep Nathan in your prayers, and God bless each and every one of you," Wilfred said.

Priscilla Toups Pendzimaz, Nathan's grandmother and a 1985 Nicholls alumna, said that she, "in her deepest sorrow, is happy that Nathan was enjoying himself when God called him home. He will live forever in all of his family's hearts."

Pendzimaz, as well as Nathan's parents, an aunt and an uncle, were Nicholls alumni. Nathan was a legacy in Kappa Alpha Fraternity as well as the current Treasurer.

Visitation for Nathan is tonight from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.?at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd.,?Metairie.

Tomorrow's visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11a.m.?with the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church,?3368 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans.

**This is a note written by Tori Read, a friend and former girlfriend of Nathan.**

Nathan,

I think we both know that we have to thank our friend, Christian Odum, for suggesting me to be your date to your junior prom. I am forever grateful to him for that. I also will never forget the day that you told me you loved me. That was the most terrifying but amazing moment in my life, because I knew that when you said those words to me, really deep down in your heart, you cared. I have never felt that connection with any other man but you, and I believe that says something. You loved me for who I really was. You didn't question anything; you just loved me for me as I loved you. You have made such an impact on our school (Holy Rosary). I hope you know that. Just today, the faculty and I were talking about how everything in the school that is what it is today is all because of you. You put your heart and soul into everything you did for our school, and it definitely shows. I have always admired that about you. Even though I am still coping with your death, I can rest a little easier now because I know that even though you are not here with all of those who love you on earth, you are now our guardian angel, always protecting, watching and loving each and every one of us. When my time comes, I will be waiting to meet you at God's heavenly gates where we can be reunited, where I will see that wonderful bright smile of yours that I miss so much. I'm always thinking about you and always praying for you and your family. I will be there for them. I know you know that, so you don't have to worry. I love you always and dearly, my knight in shining armor. You will forever hold a special place in my heart, my love. I am always listening for you.

Love,
Tori Read

We are devastated to be aware of yet another loss of life due to Parade Float Accidents.

Please...Please go to www.dangeroustrailers.org and take note....see specifically
http://dangeroustrailersparadefloat.blogspot.com/

Out of this tragedy...we can join forces and prevent this from happening to others!! That is what we have been trying to do for over 8 years!

If our Government Officials had taken our advice and had a Standard safety check list for all parades then this might not have happen.

Please see what a father in Maine tried to do over 8 years ago!!!
Would Float Railing Have Prevented N.H. Parade Tragedy?

http://dangeroustrailersparadefloat.blogspot.com/2008/02/would-float-railing-have-prevented-nh.html

Lets try and prevent "Others" from loosing their lives by the same thing!!!!!!! WE just need help!

Accident halts Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade

2010-10-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Accident halts Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade

Posted: Sep 30, 2010 10:16 PM EDT Thursday, September 30, 2010 10:16 PM EST Updated: Sep 30, 2010 10:40 PM EDT

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- An accident on La Crosse's north side drove the Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade to a complete stop.

La Crosse Police on the scene told NewsChannel 8 that a boy handing out candy on a float leaned too far forward and fell. The float ran over the bottom part of his body. According to witnesses, bystanders had to lift the float off the boy.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Gillette and Avon Street.

Paramedics on bikes were the first to arrive. An ambulance and other emergency crews maneuvered through the parade route to arrive on the scene.

The boy was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The parade was halted for a half-hour.

Torchlight goes on despite accident...boy Falls From Trailer

2010-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Home / News / Local

Dark note to parade of lights

Torchlight goes on despite accident

Home / News / Local

Dark note to parade of lights

Torchlight goes on despite accident

By Käri Knutson | kknutson@lacrossetribune.com | Posted: Friday, October 1, 2010 12:00 am |

The return of Oktoberfest's nighttime Torchlight Parade was marred Thursday evening when a young boy was run over by a float, delaying the event for 30 minutes. The boy fell from a trailer decorated for Habitat for Humanity about 7:55 p.m. and slipped under the wheels near Gillette and Avon streets, witnesses said.

A Tri-State Ambulance bike team staffing the parade route reached the boy within minutes. He quickly was taken to a local hospital, but his injuries were not considered serious or life-threatening, said Tom Tornstrom, Tri-State director of operations. The boy's name and age weren't released.

The accident, which happened about an hour into the parade, left some onlookers shaken.

Barb Alsobrooks and her 14-year-old daughter Desha saw the entire incident from a nearby curb.

"I was scared. I didn't know what actually happened," Desha said, though she was reassured when she saw Tri-State staff tending to the boy.

"He was crying for his mom," Barb Alsobrooks said. "She was right there."

It was an unfortunate somber note to what otherwise seemed a perfect night for the illuminated event, which had to be canceled in 2009 for the first time in 38 years due to heavy rain and lightning.

While some opted to head home early, a fair number of spectators waited out the delay.

Mark and Crystal Wuensch said parades have become a family favorite. The Torchlight was their sixth this year with Alanna, 8, and Xander, 1.

"I like when they throw out stuff," Alanna said.

Her loot has included lots of candy, a football, bookmarks, string cheese and her favorite - a YMCA T-shirt.

Xander loves the music.

"He really rocks out," Alanna said.

For Crystal, the parade is a tradition that began when she was a kid.

"I love the whole thing," Crystal said. "I think I miss half the parade watching my kids."

While Mary Freitag came to the first Torchlight Parade at age 11, she hadn't returned since.

"It just wasn't my thing," she said.

Now living only blocks away from the route, she decided to check it out again.

"Now I see why they say it's exciting," she said as Parade Marshals Bill and Karen Bush passed by in a lit carriage. "Maybe next year I'll bring my grandkids."

Parade accidents being investigated

2010-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Parade accidents being investigated

By ANDREA JOHNSON, Staff Writer ajohnson@minotdailynews.com

POSTED: July 25, 2010

One moment a 5-year-old boy was waving to the crowd lining the road from a float during the North Dakota State Fair parade Saturday. Then he tripped and fell while apparently trying to jump off the float and one of his legs was run over by the wheel of the trailer. The crowd gasped in horror as the boy wailed in pain and then said he couldn't move his leg. However, the child was alert and conscious when paramedics splinted his leg and loaded him onto a stretcher to take him to the hospital.

The accident, which occurred at about 11 a.m., was the second of the day. A short time earlier, on the Burdick Expressway viaduct, a 7-year-old girl was injured when she attempted to step off a float and fell to the pavement. Both tires of the dual-axle trailer carrying the float ran over the girl, police said. That accident also happened about 11 a.m. The girl was taken to Trinity Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

The child injured on the fairgrounds was riding on the trailer with several other youngsters. Minot police said there have been similar accidents in past years, though they couldn't remember an exact number.

Both accidents are under investigation, the one on the viaduct by the Minot Police Department and the one on the fairgrounds by the Ward County Sheriff's Department. Neither child was identified by law enforcement Saturday.

St. Michael boy injured in Rogers parade float accident

2010-09-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

St. Michael boy injured in Rogers parade float accident

by Mindy Mateuszczyk

Published: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 1:22 PM CDT

What started as a day of sunshine and celebration took a turn for the worse with a float accident injuring a St. Michael boy.

Hundreds of parade watchers lined Main Street and Memorial Drive in Rogers Saturday, June 26, for the annual Rockin' Rogers Days parade. Rogers Police Chief Jeff Luther barely completed the parade route from his spot near the front of the line when he, along with several other police and rescue workers, responded to a parade float accident.

Reportedly, a nine-year-old boy was sitting in front of the wheel well of a trailer on the Hampton Inn float. As the driver made the right turn from Main Street to Memorial Drive the boy's foot was caught under the wheel and he was pulled off the trailer.

Witness reports varied stating the trailer wheel rolled over the boy's legs, chest and head. However, police were unable to confirm or deny these reports. Dan and Kathy Wagner were sitting at the corner watching the parade and witnessed the incident. Dan Wagner said the whole thing happened so fast the boy didn't yell or make a sound but the crowd did once they saw what happened. He perceived that the driver stopped immediately upon hearing the crowd's reaction preventing further injury.

Within minutes, several police responded, transferred the boy to a spine-board and transported him to North Memorial Hospital. Minutes later Chief Luther escorted the boy's mother, who was also on the float, to the hospital.

While police commented the boy appeared in stable condition as he was transported, Luther issued a statement Wednesday, June 30, confirming the boy sustained some lacerations to his right ear and assorted abrasions to his hands and knees.

"Considering the potential devastating injuries that he could have sustained, the boy is both fortunate and resilient," said Luther. He went on to say the injuries might require further corrective or cosmetic surgery.

He called the incident a rare and unfortunate circumstance. However, the situation will be including in the debriefing of Rockin' Rogers Days to occur between the police department and the Rogers Lions.

"We had some weather events that required temporary evacuation to the Community Center, the parade incident and some other situations throughout the weekend," he said. "Our first priority is the safety and welfare of visitors to Rockin' Rogers, so it only makes good sense to review the event afterwards to try improving upon our ability to be prepared in future years."

Luther said incidents related to alcohol were significantly reduced compared to the previous year.

Child run over by float in Molalla parade

2010-09-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Story Published: Jul 4, 2010 at 1:30 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2010 at 3:22 PM PDT

MOLALLA, Ore. – A Life Flight helicopter was called in to a July 4 parade in Clackamas County, whisking away a boy run over Sunday by a parade float.

Molalla Fire Public Information Officer Denise Everhart said a 12-year-old boy was trying to catch candy thrown from a moving float in the Molalla Buckeroo Parade. She said the float was composed of a trailer with a dual wheel.

Everhart said the boy's foot first became caught in the wheel. Then, the float rolled over him.

The accident was reported to Clackamas County 9-1-1 dispatchers at 11:46 a.m.

The annual Fourth of July festivities, including the Molalla Buckaroo Parade, started Sunday at 9:30 a.m. This "Giant Street Parade" runs down Main Street in Molalla – a town of 7,800 residents about 30 miles southeast of Portland.

Everhart said the boy was conscious and alert after the accident. However, she said he "definitely" suffered a broken leg. She also said he was complaining of pain in his lower abdomen.

As a precaution, the boy was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital by Life Flight, Everhart told KATU. We have sent a photojournalist to the scene, and will follow with further details as they are available.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Molalla Fire tells us this parade does have a policy of handing out candy from buckets, rather than throwing the candy from floats. He said the boy was working the float that ran over him – chauffeuring candy from the float to the crowd in a bucket.

Tot survives parade fall

2009-10-23T07:09:00.001-07:00

By Gina Morton
The Daily Item

SELINSGROVE — A 20-month-old child fell from a moving float during the Selinsgrove Halloween parade Tuesday evening and was run over by the back wheels of the trailer.

The Beavertown boy was in the company of his mother and riding on a trailer towed by a vehicle when he fell off the right side, onto the road and into the path of the trailer’s wheels. The trailer was representing Graysonview Assisted Living Center in Penn Township.

Police said the trailer rolled over the child before his mother and other occupants could react. The driver was not initially aware of the child until alerted by others. The boy was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, near Danville, for treatment. Neither police nor the assisted living center released the name of the child or his mother.

Lennie C. Boop, executive administrator of Graysonview, said Wednesday the child’s mother is an employee of the facility.

He said in a statement Wednesday that the boy was kept overnight for observation and underwent tests, and that the child’s injuries are not believed to be serious.

Boop added that the facility is providing support to the family of the child.

This is the third year the facility has had a float in the parade, he said. He would not say how many people were on the float at the time of the accident because police are investigating.

Chris Kenawell, chairman of the Selinsgrove parade committee, said he wasn’t aware of Tuesday night’s accident until Wednesday morning.

There are no age restrictions or requirements of Selinsgrove parade participants, Kenawell said. The safety of individuals involved in the parade procession is the responsibility of the driver of the float and the chaperones, Kenawell said.

“Each float is run by their particular organization,” he said. “It is their responsibility to use common sense for the safety of people on the float.”

Kenawell, a parade committee member for the past nine years, said the parade has never had an accident such as Tuesday evening’s.

“I don’t know what restrictions would have helped something like this,” Kenawell said.

As a result of the accident, the committee will likely consider various safety precautions that could be implemented for coming parades, he said, adding that he could not guarantee any changes.

Sunbury’s Halloween parade is tonight and the chairman of the event said there are few safety regulations that participants are expected to follow.

Michael Hummel, fire police captain and organizer for the Sunbury parade, said the city event does not regulate the age of participants, but that officials try to keep a close eye on those involved with the march.

PARADE FLOAT CRUSHES LENEXA BOY, 10

2008-07-23T11:33:00.001-07:00

Record 1 of 48

Estimated printed pages: 1

Printer Friendly | Back to Results

Docs remaining: 39
Subscription until: 08/04/2008 11:59 PM

Wichita Eagle, The (KS) July 5, 1985
Edition: CITY EDITION Section: MAIN NEWS Page: 7A

Topics:

Index Terms:
VEHICLE DEATH KANSAS

PARADE FLOAT CRUSHES LENEXA BOY, 10

Author: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dateline: LENEXA

Article Text:

A 10-year-old boy was killed Thursday when he was run over by a parade float during a Fourth of July celebration in this Kansas City suburb. Police said Matthew Taylor of Lenexa died shortly before noon at Humana Hospital in Overland Park from injuries suffered in 10:15 a.m. accident.

Taylor was riding on a float carrying members of the Lenexa Lazers swimming team when he and several other youths jumped off to pick up some candy they had dropped, police said. Police said the youth was crushed by the rear wheels of the flatbed trailer on which the float was being pulled.

The group's coach was driving the truck pulling the float, police said. Police said the youngster suffered a fractured skull, broken legs and internal injuries. No charges were expected to be filed against the coach, police said. Memo:
INDEPENDENCE DAY 1985

Record Number: 8502040346

NEARBY HELP UNABLE TO SAVE CHILD

2008-07-23T11:32:00.002-07:00

Record 6 of 48

Estimated printed pages: 1

Printer Friendly | Back to Results

Docs remaining: 38
Subscription until: 08/04/2008 11:59 PM

Wichita Eagle, The (KS) October 17, 1994
Edition: CITY Section: MAIN NEWS Page: 14A

NEARBY HELP UNABLE TO SAVE CHILD

Author: Associated Press

Article Text:OKLEE, Minn. Ambulance driver Jim Dessellier was waiting to join a homecoming parade when he saw a girl in his side mirror slip and fall under the wheels of a float. Nearby, watching the festivities with his family, was an emergency medical technician. So, too, was the sheriff. The three reacted quickly but were unable to save the life of 12-year-old Adeline Chervestad, who jumped from the float to grab candy from the ground.

The girl's death Friday was the second tragedy in a week to strike the tiny northwestern Minnesota communities of Oklee and Plummer, where student athletes compete together as the Red Lake County Central Mustangs. Joseph Lallier, 19, and Seth Culkins, 15, both of Plummer, died Oct. 10 after their dirt bikes collided head-on.

Culkins had been headed to a pre- homecoming bonfire and a dance. Red Lake County Sheriff Allan Morken said the accident that killed Adeline is under investigation. Sheer coincidence placed Jim Dessellier, the ambulance driver, so close to the float Adeline's was riding with her seventh-grade classmates.

He was preparing to take his position in the parade route when he saw Adeline in the path of the float's wheels as the driver slowly began making a turn. ''I said to myself she better move or get out of there or she could get run over, and that's just what happened," Dessellier said. Adeline's classmates yelled at the float driver to stop after they saw her fall under a wheel, Dessellier said.

Record Number: 9402090142

Family celebrates girl's life, one year after near-fatal parade accident

2008-07-23T11:32:00.001-07:00

Record 9 of 48

Estimated printed pages: 2

Printer Friendly | Back to Results

Docs remaining: 37
Subscription until: 08/04/2008 11:59 PM

Chanute Tribune, The (KS) March 17, 2001

Family celebrates girl's life, one year after near-fatal parade accident

Article Text:KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Saturday is St. Patrick's Day, but that's not why the Fletcher family is throwing a party. Steve and Shauna Fletcher are celebrating the life of their 4-year-old daughter, Kelly. In a sense, though, the celebration is about St. Patrick's Day. Saturday marks one year since Kelly fell under the wheels of a St. Patrick's Day float on a downtown Kansas City street.

Kelly's broken pelvis and lacerated liver have healed, and now she is as active, healthy and cheerful as any of her peers. Dozens of people sent cards, stuffed animals, balloons and notes to Kelly at Children's Mercy Hospital last year. Many of them did not know the Fletchers.

"The outpouring of support helped us get through," Shauna Fletcher said in her kitchen Thursday, as Kelly sat on her lap coloring pieces of paper with an orange marker. "It was very overwhelming." The Fletchers requested privacy in the months after the accident. They agreed to discuss Kelly's recovery after realizing that many people, including some who witnessed the near-tragedy from the sidewalk, wanted to know how she was doing. The answer could have been different, but several things went right that day.

When Kelly fell the crowd yelled at the float's driver, who stopped quickly and backed up. An off-duty firefighter and a nurse who worked in the intensive care unit at Children's Mercy tended to Kelly. Not far behind the float, the Rampart Search and Rescue team from Denver was in the parade. Its members dropped out to help. At the hospital, the news was grim. Kelly's liver was bleeding. She received two transfusions. Doctors asked permission to operate, but then decided to wait an hour to see if the bleeding would stop. They worried that Kelly would not survive the surgery.

The bleeding stopped. Kelly spent two weeks in intensive care, part of it in an induced coma. She went home a month after the accident. "It was touch and go for so long," Shauna Fletcher said. In July, her parents asked Kelly if she wanted to ride her bike in their annual neighborhood parade. "Yes," Kelly said, "but I don't want to ride on a float." The party Saturday will give the family, including Kelly's three siblings, a happy way to think of St. Patrick's Day again. "We decided to do this," Steve Fletcher said, "as a thank-you for all the people who supported us."

Record Number: 10F1FC990F2867F7

Man injured during parade, Tanner appointment, woman's 103rd birthday

2008-07-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

Record 13 of 48

Estimated printed pages: 1

Printer Friendly | Back to Results

Docs remaining: 35
Subscription until: 08/04/2008 11:59 PM

Ottawa Herald, The (KS) December 8, 1997

Man injured during parade, Tanner appointment, woman's 103rd birthday

Author: The Ottawa HeraldFor Harris News Service

Article Text:OTTAWA A 19-year-old Ottawa man was injured during Saturday's Christmas parade after his wheelchair got tangled up with a float and was dragged several feet. Robert Harris, 719 S. Sycamore, was being pushed across the street by an unidentified girl when the accident occurred about 1:20 p.m., police said.

He was taken by Franklin County ambulance to Ransom Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and was released. Frank D. Yates, 54, 1446 Eisenhower Ave., was driving the tractor that was towing the float when he said he heard someone screaming.

He then looked back and saw Harris in the roadway. TOPEKA Rep. Ralph Tanner, R-Baldwin, has been appointed to the Joint Advisory Committee on Governance, Kansas House Speaker Tim Shallenburger announced recenlty.

The Kansas Board of Regents and Kansas State Board of Education formed the committee in 1994 to monitor the transition of students from secondary schools to college, improve post-secondary education in Kansas and to increase cooperation between the two boards. Besides Tanner, the committee consists of four members from each board, a member of the Kansas Senate and Gov. Bill Graves. OTTAWA Lillian Spears, Ottawa, will celebrate her 103rd birthday Thursday. She was born Dec. 11, 1894, at Vandalia, Mo. She moved with her family to

Oklahoma when she was 12 years old to help settle the new territory. She had an active life during her younger years. She worked at Sunflower Ordinance Plant during World War II and later worked at the Mode O' Day dress shop until she retired. She has two children, Elmore (deceased) and Norene Hobbs, 822 W. Sixth, Ottawa; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren. This year she will celebrate with a card shower, which can be sent to 1100 W. 15th, Room 140, Ottawa, 66067. hotw: Dec 8, 97 (Mon 01:11p) briefs-for-harris!a!

Record Number: 10C7C21708C1BDC3

Student hurt in parade

2008-07-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

ecord 26 of 48

Estimated printed pages: 3

Printer Friendly | Back to Results

Docs remaining: 33
Subscription until: 08/04/2008 11:59 PM

Hays Daily News, The (KS) October 3, 2004

Regional briefs

Article Text:Breakfast to help Ellis County United Way "Eating their way toward the goal" will be the theme for a United Way of Ellis County benefit breakfast hosted by Golden Corral, 383 Mopar Drive. As a kickoff to Fort Hays State University's Homecoming weekend, FHSU cheerleaders will be on hand and university football players will wait tables at the event.

"We want to engage our athletes in more community service," said Curtis Hammeke, FHSU athletic director. "I believe very strongly in the benefit of community service, the benefit not only to the community, but also the athletes." Golden Corral chose a Friday, a day the restaurant ordinarily does not serve breakfast, to host the event.

"We appreciate Golden Corral's willingness to participate in this year's campaign and we are looking forward to a long-lasting partnership that will benefit the community, the United Way and Golden Corral," said Dennis Brumbaugh, 2004-2005 United Way of Ellis County campaign chair. "Any time we can get more people involved in any aspect of community support, through volunteering time or contributions, the whole community comes out ahead," Brumbaugh said. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday. Tickets are $5 each and are available in advance from the United Way or can be purchased at the door. All ticket proceeds and tips go to the United Way of Ellis County.

Door prizes will be given away. A Wal-Mart gift card will be given to the FHSU student organization that has the most members present at 8:30 a.m. Money raised during the United Way campaign helps support a network of 16 member agencies that provide assistance and change lives throughout Ellis County. To purchase tickets, contact the United Way office at (785) 628-8281. County commissioners face a full agenda Monday

The Ellis County Commission will meet in regular session at 8:45 a.m. Monday in the Commission Room at the Ellis County Courthouse, 1204 Fort. l At 8:45, Ellis County 4-H and Youth Extension agent Susan Schlichting will present a proclamation on National 4-H Week and will update the board on extension activities. l At 9,

Public Works Administrator Mike Graf will discuss road and bridge, solid waste, noxious weed and environmental matters. l At 10, Hays resident Robert Custer will discuss a nuisance complaint filed against him. l At 10:15, Hays planning inspector and enforcement superintendent Jesse Rohr will discuss the final plat and rezoning of L. Kuhn Second Addition. l At 10:30, Northwest Kansas Community Corrections Director John Trembley will discuss the fiscal year 2004 comprehensive plan objective report. Ellis County to talk about repairs for hail damage ELLIS - The Ellis City Council will meet in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall. Representatives from Golden Belt Telephone will address the council. The council will discuss roof repairs from 2003 hail damage and a request to purchase mulch for Creekside Park play equipment. Council members will hear reports on the city clerk's request to attend a November conference in Wichita, the municipal pool, the water situation and conditions, an engineer's report on streets, a tennis court project and an attorney's report on Jefferson property.

Student hurt in parade A 12-year-old Felten Middle School student riding on a Homecoming parade float was injured when he fell off the float and his leg was run over. The boy fell off the float trailer at the intersection of 16th and Main. After he fell, the trailer wheel ran over his leg. The incident occurred about 6:15 p.m. Friday. He was taken by ambulance to Hays Medical Center. The Hays police department said the boy's right foot was already in a cast from a previous injury, but the right leg is now in a cast from Friday evening's injury. Two hurt in accident

NICODEMUS - Two men were hurt in a Saturday morning wreck about a mile east of Nicodemus. A pickup driven by Matt E. Selzer, 35, Oakley, was eastbound on U.S. Highway 24 about a mile east of Nicodemus when it collided with a car driven southbound on a county road by Ryan M. Shearer, 18, Almena. Selzer's pickup struck Shearer's car in the passenger door area. The pickup went off the southeast corner of intersection, struck a guardrail and came to rest in the south ditch. The car came to rest on the north edge of the roadway. Both men were wearing seat belts when the wreck happened. Both were taken to Graham County Hospital at Hill City.

Record Number: 10A4E1D518AA6DE6

Toddler dies in parade float accident

2008-02-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

Toddler dies in parade float accident

July 4, 2001 Posted: 3:22 PM EDT (1922 GMT)

DOUGLASVILLE, Georgia (AP) -- A 2-year-old boy slipped from a float and was crushed to death Wednesday as he rode in an annual Fourth of July parade in Douglasville, Georgia.

Cole Sweat of Villa Rica was riding with his grandparents when he slipped and was crushed under the float's trailer. He was pronounced dead at a hospital, Douglas County Coroner Randy Daniel said.

The parade was halted after the accident.

"It's just an unfortunate accident. It's something that everybody's grieving over," said Daniel, who also was riding in the parade. "The (paramedics) worked just as hard as they could to save the boy's life, but it just couldn't be done."

The boy's body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for an autopsy, but police are considering the death an accident, Daniel said.

A small Red River town is in mourning after the death of a five-year-old girl who stumbled and fell beneath the wheels of a parade float.

2008-02-07T22:18:00.001-08:00

Monday, October 02, 2006

POTTSBORO (AP) - A small Red River town is in mourning after the death of a five-year-old girl who stumbled and fell beneath the wheels of a parade float.

Police in the Lake Texoma-area town of Pottsboro say they're withholding the girl's name at her parents' request.

She died at a Dallas hospital Saturday after the accident at the tail end of Pottsboro's annual Frontier Days festival parade that morning. Witnesses say the girl was walking beside a float from which candy was being thrown when she slipped and fell beneath the wheels of the trailer bearing the float.

Several men were able to lift the trailer off the girl, and she was airlifted about 70 miles south to Children's Medical Center of Dallas, where she died.

The girl attended Wakefield Elementary School in nearby Sherman. School district officials there say counselors will be available there for students who need them.

Pottsboro is a town of about 2,000 residents about ten miles northwest of Sherman.

Businessman Run Over by Parade Float

2008-02-06T00:20:00.001-08:00

New Orleans 02/04/08
Businessman Run Over by Parade Float

Posted: Feb 4, 2008 03:32 PM

Hancock County is mourning the loss of a well-known businessman after a Mardi Gras accident.

Jody Compretta, 39, died during a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans Saturday night.

Compretta was riding on a float in the Endymion parade. He was run over by the tail end of the float as he tried to get off of it, once the parade ended near the Superdome.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Compretta was the son of State Representative J. P. Compretta and owned a medical supply company in Bay St. Louis. He was a former president of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Bay Area Recovery Team.

10-year-old boy was injured Saturday when a float hit him

2008-02-06T00:06:00.001-08:00

Prichard police have asked for funds to buy barricades

City lacks barriers, and a 10-year-old boy was injured Saturday when a float hit him

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

By RON COLQUITT

Staff Reporter

Barricades along the Krewe of Goats parade route Saturday in Prichard would have prevented a 10-year-old boy from being struck by a float, concerned citizens said Monday.

Prichard Police Chief Lawrence Battiste said there are no barricades along any of Prichard's Mardi Gras parade routes.

He said that he applied for federal funds to buy barricades before the beginning of this year's Mardi Gras festivities.

It would cost $50,000 to $100,000 for enough barricades to line the parade routes through his city, Battiste said, noting he hopes to get the money and have the barricades in place next year.

"I would just ask parents to be more vigilant during the parades and keep their children away from the floats," Battiste said.

The chief said that he participated in the Saturday parade in which the child was injured, but did not witness the accident.

Nona Simmons, a Prichard police spokeswoman, declined to identify the boy Monday but said he suffered a broken leg during the parade along St. Stephens Road. He was taken to USA Children's & Women's Hospital for treatment.

No charges were filed against Alvin Taylor Jr., who was driving the vehicle pulling the float, authorities said.

Battiste said that he understood that Taylor stopped the float as soon as the child was struck.

Fifty Alabama State Troopers in cars and on motorcycles helped keep order during Monday's parade, Battiste said.

Troopers on motorcycles rode back and forth along the parade route, telling people to stay out of the street while the floats rolled.

Mallory Rembert brought her 23-month-old daughter and several nephews and nieces to Monday's parade in Prichard.

Rembert, 23, of Prichard said she was not aware that the boy was injured during Saturday's Krewe of Goats parade, but she said she was disturbed by the news.

"They should have barricades on every parade so it will be safe for kids, so they won't get hit," she said.

Children get excited by the approaching floats and the promise of throws, she said.

"Their parents should be watching them instead of letting them run off," Rembert said.

She said she would be willing to pay extra taxes to raise money for the barricades.

Gladys Vassel, 53, of Prichard, who brought her 9-year-old granddaughter to Monday's parade, said she wasn't surprised that someone had been hurt.

"They didn't have any barricades out protecting them," she said.

October 30, 2001 Parade Float Accident Schools deal with painful death of student after parade float accident

2008-02-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Courier News (Bridgewater, NJ)
October 30, 2001

Section: Local
Page: B1

Topics:
Index Terms:
Death
Fatality
Celebration
Parade
Education
Student
Schools deal with painful death of student after parade float accident
Author: Kara L. Richardson; Staff Courier News
Dateline: Montgomery
Article Text:By KARA L. RICHARDSON Staff Writer A quiet, but enthusiastic boy was missing Monday from a fourth-grade classroom in Princeton. George Dale, 9, died after he fell off a Montgomery Township Spirit Day float Saturday morning. He was tossing candy with his father Henry Dale, an eighth-grade teacher in Montgomery. It is unclear whether George, who attended Johnson Park School, was accidentally shoved off the float, if there was a bump in the road or if the float made a sudden jolt that knocked him off the trailer and possibly under a wheel. While the accident is still under investigation, the boy's family and two school districts - Princeton Regional and Montgomery - remembered George, ached for his father who saw the accident happen and tried to cope with the tragedy. Princeton Regional teachers and staff were called over the weekend to prepare for a tough morning, Superintendent Claire Kohn said. The Johnson Park teachers and staff gathered before classes began to talk about George and how to react. "George is remembered as a very sweet child," said Claire Kohn, superintendent of Princeton Regional School District. "He was very popular among his classmates. He was quiet but held in high regard by the adults in the school, particularly his teachers, and by his classmates." There were counselors available in Johnson Park school, she said. In Montgomery, Spirit Day has been a popular event for almost 20 years, Committeeman Don Matthews said. That means thousands of kids were decorating the floats, watching the parade or playing in soccer games, he said. When the marching band came through and the parade stopped, the word spread quickly though the township and the normally joyous fall day turned somber, he said. "All of a sudden the mood changed completely, everybody just packed up and left," he said. Because so many students might have seen the accident and have been taught by the popular Montgomery Middle School social studies teacher, township schools also had counselors available, said Jack Rotter, a Montgomery schools spokesman. There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, said George's aunt, Lucy Gatchell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "George's scholarship fund for neighborhood children" at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ 08542.
Copyright (c) Courier News. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Record Number: brg2001103111130759

July 22, 2001 Parade Float Accident Boy, 15, dies under wheels of a parade float

2008-02-03T21:36:00.001-08:00

July 22, 2001 Parade Float Accident

Associated Press Archive
July 22, 2001

Topics:
Index Terms:
U.S. Domestic
Boy, 15, dies under wheels of a parade float carrying country line dancers
Dateline: FAIRBANKS, Alaska
Article Text:A 15-year-old boy died beneath the wheels of a parade float carrying country line dancers after he tried to climb on board, authorities said. Rescue workers responding to the accident Saturday on the route of the Golden Days parade were unable to revive the boy, identified as David Lee Truex of Fairbanks. The dance group was being pulled on the back of a tractor-trailer rig. Scores of bystanders along the parade route witnessed the accident.
Copyright 2001, 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Record Number: D7DD6BIG0

October 28, 2001 Parade Float Accident Boy fatally crushed in Somerset parade float accident

2008-02-03T21:34:00.001-08:00

Star-Ledger, The (Newark, NJ)
October 28, 2001

Edition: FINAL
Section: NEW JERSEY
Page: 25

Boy fatally crushed in Somerset parade float accident
Author: CATHY BUGMAN; STAR-LEDGER STAFF
Article Text:The 9-year-old son of a Montgomery Township teacher died yesterday after he fell off a parade float and was crushed in front of a crowd of horrified onlookers, authorities said. George Dale tumbled off the float into the gap between the front of the rolling display and the rear bumper of a pickup truck that was pulling it, Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest said. Dale and his father, eighth-grade teacher Henry Dale, both Princeton Borough residents, were among the 20 people on the float, which was sponsored by the Montgomery Teachers Education Association. "He fell through the open area, onto the roadway, and was run over by the trailer," Forrest said. The tragedy occurred at 10:14 a.m., just minutes after the parade stepped off from its gathering spot in the parking lot of Montgomery Middle School, Forrest said. The float was headed down the middle school driveway, to Burnt Hill Road, which was lined with spectators, to the high school. "It really was an accident. I don't believe that flatbed was going more than 3 miles an hour," said Montgomery School Superintendent Stuart Schnur, who was in a car in front of the float carrying the boy. "A bike could have gone faster than we were going." Stunned parade watchers saw the boy slip under the vehicle, but by the time the driver of the truck, James Ladtanzio, 45, of Corning, N.Y., was alerted, it was too late, the prosecutor said. Ladtanzio is an employee of Bond Parade Float Co., which was hired to provide the truck and trailer, Forrest said. George Dale was transported to the Medical Center at Princeton, where he was pronounced dead at 11:27 a.m., authorities said. The boy suffered severe head and chest injuries, but investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Forrest said. He did not know when the results will be available. The flatbed trailer, 28 feet long, 8 feet wide and 3 feet off the ground, has a railing on each side that reaches up 3 feet high, as well as a barrier in the back to protect people from falling off, authorities said. But George was near the front of the trailer where there is a 2-foot gap between the rear bumper of the truck and the beginning of the float, Forrest said. The prosecutor's Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team was sent to the scene. No charges have been filed, but investigators are continuing their probe. Yesterday, teachers at Princeton's Johnson Park School were busy calling families of students who were in classes with the boy and his brother, Julian, who is a first-grade student at the school. Princeton School Superintendent Claire Sheff Kohn said parents were asked if they want to tell their children about the tragedy or if they would prefer school officials to announce the news. "We are also pulling psychologists and social workers from other schools so they will be on hand," Sheff Kohn said. In the Dales' neighborhood, residents were shocked to hear that the boy who was often seen skateboarding up and down John Street had died. Neighbors said he was a quiet child, the second of three boys. They said he enjoyed sports and playing video games. Yesterday's parade, the kickoff of a longtime Montgomery tradition "Spirit Day," was canceled immediately after the incident. The procession featured a marching band, five floats, a firetruck and ambulance, among other parade units, with township residents lining the middle school driveway eager to cheer on their friends and neighbors. Afterward, a carnival with food, games and community booths was to have been held. "So many teachers felt so terrible with the tragedy that we decided to close up," Schnur said. "What a horrible thing, to have one of our children hurt so horribly."
Copyright 2001 The Star-Ledger. All Rights Reserved. Used by NewsBank with Permission.
Record Number: star20013bdc61300

Barta’s daughter hit in parade

2008-02-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Barta’s daughter hit in parade

By Brian Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen

• Photo gallery: UI Homecoming Celebration

The 7-year-old daughter of University of Iowa’s top athletic official was struck during the Homecoming 2007 parade last week.

UI Athletic Director Gary Barta’s daughter Madison was participating in the parade, walking alongside a float on Friday handing out candy when she tripped, fell and was run over, Gary Barta said on Wednesday.

“It was very scary for her and my wife and I, but she is going to be OK,” Gary Barta said, noting that he did not see the accident first hand but arrived on the scene shortly after.

Madison Barta suffered a lower leg fracture, Gary Barta said, but she is starting to feel better.

On Tuesday, the Press-Citizen reported that a 5-year-old girl fell off a float and was run over at about 6:23 p.m. Friday at the Washington and Dubuque streets intersection, based on information from Iowa City police and parade officials.

Gary Barta estimated that was about the same time and place his daughter was struck.

After medical personnel cleared her, Madison Barta was transported by a private vehicle to University Hospitals for care. Gary Barta said this was closer than an ambulance.

While some have said the parade is becoming too dangerous, and are calling for measures such as banning candy, Barta said the incident will not deter his family from coming back to the parade and has not prompted him to push for any new regulations.

“The Homecoming parade is a great tradition … I want the best, safest parade possible, but I am not involved in any discussions or any kind of charge to change the parade,” Barta said. “My family and I will continue to be part of the Homecoming parade.”
http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071003/NEWS01/71003005/1079/rss01

GIRL HURT BY PARADE FLOAT CHOSEN GRAND MARSHAL FOR FIRST FRIDAY

2008-02-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

GIRL HURT BY PARADE FLOAT CHOSEN GRAND MARSHAL FOR FIRST FRIDAY
Accident last year prompts Clemson to make changes to parade
Published: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 - 6:00 am
The Greenville News
By Anna Simon
CLEMSON BUREAU

CLEMSON -- A Clemson Elementary student run over by a float in Clemson University's First Friday parade last year will ride in the parade as the grand marshal this year.

Now recovered from serious injuries, she will ride in a convertible in the parade that starts at 6 p.m. Friday, said Pam Davis, associate director of union programs at the university.

Caroline Terry, then 9, ran up to a float where people were handing out bottled water on the hot summer evening when she slipped and was run over by a tire of the trailer bearing the float.

She was airlifted to a hospital, and what had been an enjoyable annual outing for her family turned into a nightmare.

"Caroline's accident last year was one of the hardest things we have ever been through as a family," said her mother, Melissa Terry. "However, the support of our family, friends and the Clemson community was unbelievable. As soon as Caroline was injured, it was incredible to see the number of community members and students who dropped to their knees to pray."

Terry believes her daughter survived because of their prayers.

Support kept coming. Every athletic team at Clemson sent T-shirts, cards and other get-well wishes, Terry said. The Tiger and Central Spirit came to visit Caroline at her house to lift her spirits as she recovered.

When Caroline returned to school, she joined the fourth-grade Cruisers program that teaches children to make good choices when in cars, on bicycles or on foot. Caroline created a PowerPoint presentation and tells her story to other children to help prevent accidents like hers.

It's helped her deal with the emotional side of the trauma, her mother said.

Caroline will wear her purple Cruisers shirt in the parade, her mother said.

Her teacher, principal and fellow students in the Cruisers program will walk behind her convertible "wearing their purple Cruisers shirts, to show their support of her and to let others know about this program," Terry said.

There are about 45 entries in the parade, which runs along State 93 from Cherry Road in front of the President's House to Williamson Road, just past the lower intramural fields, Davis said.

Entries include the Clemson Tiger Band, various ROTC military groups, the Clemson Sports Car Club and 11 sorority floats, Davis said.

The sorority floats are already under construction behind Bryan Mall next to the President's House.

The theme for the parade this year is "From Fun in the Sun to Death in the Valley," in advance of the first home game of the year on Saturday, when the Clemson Tigers take on Florida Atlantic University at 3:30 p.m.

There are new rules for this year's parade in the wake of the incident last year to create a safe environment for participants and spectators, Davis said.

No one will be allowed to hand out or throw any materials or items before, during or immediately after the parade. No one will be allowed to ride on top of vehicles, and anyone walking with a vehicle or float must remain at least five feet behind the vehicle at all times.

A pep rally will follow the parade at Riggs Field.

Disney Performer Killed By Parade Float

2008-02-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A costumed worker dressed as the character Pluto was killed after being run over and killed by a Walt Disney World float during an afternoon parade Wednesday, according to Local 6 News.

Javier Cruz, 38, of Orlando was killed in a backstage area
of the Magic Kingdom, near the Splash Mountain ride, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Cruz had worked at the park for eight years, officials said.Disney spokeswoman Rena Langley said Cruz wastoward the end of the parade and was about to enter the park when he was hit. Langley said she wasn't sure if any visitors witnessed what happened."To my knowledge there has never been an accident like this before," Langley said. "Clearly, it's a difficult and tragic day for all of us."The Orange County Sheriff's Office was investigating, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also was sending an investigator."The investigation shows it to be accidental," said Carlos Torres, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Donna-Lynne Dalton, recording secretary for Teamsters Local 385, which represents costumed workers at Disney World, said at this point it appears all rules were being followed during the parade."It's just a horrible, horrible tragedy," Dalton said.The last time a worker died at Walt Disney World was in 1999 when a part-time employee who had been working in the loading area of the Magic Kingdom Skyway fell to his death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration later fined Walt Disney World $4,500 for what it called a "serious" violation of safety standards. The ride was closed later that year.Cruz's death occurred as Disney chairman and CEO Michael Eisner and other top executives were at the resort for a conference with investment analysts. Cable television giant Comcast Corp. made a surprise bid Wednesday to buy The Walt Disney Co. for more than $54 billion.Watch Local 6 News for more on this breaking news story.

Anoter Parade Float Accident POTTSBORO

2008-02-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Monday, October 02, 2006

POTTSBORO (AP) - A small Red River town is in mourning after the death of a five-year-old girl who stumbled and fell beneath the wheels of a parade float.

Police in the Lake Texoma-area town of Pottsboro say they're withholding the girl's name at her parents' request.

She died at a Dallas hospital Saturday after the accident at the tail end of Pottsboro's annual Frontier Days festival parade that morning. Witnesses say the girl was walking beside a float from which candy was being thrown when she slipped and fell beneath the wheels of the trailer bearing the float.

Several men were able to lift the trailer off the girl, and she was airlifted about 70 miles south to Children's Medical Center of Dallas, where she died.

The girl attended Wakefield Elementary School in nearby Sherman. School district officials there say counselors will be available there for students who need them.

Pottsboro is a town of about 2,000 residents about ten miles northwest of Sherman.

Boy dies in N.H. holiday parade float

2008-02-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Boy dies in N.H. holiday parade float accident
9-year-old killed after being struck by trailer carried by pickup truck
Updated: 3:45 p.m. ET Dec 3, 2006

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - A 9-year-old boy has died after being hit by a float in the city’s annual holiday parade.

The boy was hit around 6:15 p.m. Saturday, shortly after the parade started. The float, a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck, was carrying about 20 Cub Scouts ranging in age from 8 to 11, police said.

Authorities did not say if the boy who was struck was one of the scouts on the float. The boy’s name was not released.
It wasn’t clear how the boy was struck. Investigators are trying to sort out many different accounts provided by witnesses, said Lt. Rod McQuate. Authorities are also asking anyone with photographs or videotape of the accident to come forward.

“It goes without saying this is a terrible tragedy,” Chief Michael Magnant said.

One witness said that the boy had been seated on the float with his feet dangling from the side and fell off when the trailer appeared to hit a bump in the road. The boy landed in the path of the trailer’s wheels and was run over, said James Collins, a cook a local restaurant.
© 2006 The Associated Press

Toddler dies in parade float accident

2008-02-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

Toddler dies in parade float accident

July 4, 2001 Posted: 3:22 PM EDT (1922 GMT)
Save a link to this article and return to it at www.savethis.comSave a link to this article and return to it at www.savethis.com
Printer-friendly version of this articlePrinter-friendly version of this article

Email a link to this articleEmail a link to this article
View a list of the most popular articles on our siteView a list of the most popular articles on our site

DOUGLASVILLE, Georgia (AP) -- A 2-year-old boy slipped from a float and was crushed to death Wednesday as he rode in an annual Fourth of July parade in Douglasville, Georgia.

Cole Sweat of Villa Rica was riding with his grandparents when he slipped and was crushed under the float's trailer. He was pronounced dead at a hospital, Douglas County Coroner Randy Daniel said.

The parade was halted after the accident.

"It's just an unfortunate accident. It's something that everybody's grieving over," said Daniel, who also was riding in the parade. "The (paramedics) worked just as hard as they could to save the boy's life, but it just couldn't be done."

The boy's body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for an autopsy, but police are considering the death an accident, Daniel said.

Parade Float Accident in FL

2008-02-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

Nine-year-old killed after being run over by parade float in Plant City Christmas parade

PLANT CITY -- Police in Plant City are investigating an accident where a child was run over by a parade float. It happened at the Plant City Christmas Parade near the intersection of South Collins Street and East Laura Street.
According to officials the 9-year-old Jordan Davis Hays of Lake Panasoffkee was walking alongside the float, passing out candy when he tripped and fell under the float sponsored by the Greater Heights Family Worship Center.

According to police he was hit by the float twice as witnesses tried to alert the boys' cousin, Ricky Carlton, who was driving the float.

The boy was transported to South Florida Baptist Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Copyright 2007 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Parade Float Accident New Hampshire

2008-02-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

Parade Float Accident New Hampshire

By Adam Leech
aleech@seacoastonline.com
December 16, 2007 6:30 AM

PORTSMOUTH — Of the many trees on Peirce Island, one stands out among the rest.

Just beyond the pool stands a white fir adorned with Christmas decorations seemingly without an owner. But upon closer inspection, a granite marker below it reveals the owner. This is Thomas' tree.

But a group of local dog walkers — just about the only people who go out to the island during the winter months — have made it their own. Over the past month, they've progressively added more and more decorations to the tree in memory of Thomas Fogarty, who died at age 9 after falling off the Cub Scout float he was riding on in the 2006 Holiday Parade.

"Someone put one bulb on the tree and we all walk our dogs down there, so we passed the word along. And more decorations went up," said Steven Marison, a dog walker from Portsmouth. "We just thought the family would appreciate it ... we wanted them to know people are thinking about them."

Brian and Debbie Fogarty got their first glimpse of the tree on Thursday — two weeks after the one-year anniversary of Thomas' death. While their grieving is ongoing, the couple has been continually amazed by acts of kindness and remembrance by people in their hometown of Greenland and throughout the Seacoast.

The tree was dedicated to Thomas in July by the city Trees and Greenery Committee.

Brian said Thomas loved Christmas, so decorating the tree is very appropriate and very much appreciated.

"It's very sweet," Debbie said. "It's so nice of them to do this."

"We've been out a few times since (the dedication), but we haven't had the chance to get out here that much lately," Brian said. "But this is a good reason to come back out."

Brian and Debbie walked with their 8-year-old son Andrew in this year's Holiday Parade, along with members of Thomas' old Cub Scout pack who were there when the accident occurred.

Andrew, who is a Cub Scout, really wanted to be part of the parade, Debbie said, and so did they.

"For me, I didn't know how I was going to react, but I wanted us to be part of it," Brian said. "It was good. It was a great feeling because we got back together as a group with the Scouts and I thought it was important for us to do that."

Brian said the Fogartys continue to be surprised by the number of gestures and dedications to Thomas, some they don't know about until well after the fact. Recently, a bench in Remembrance Park — across the street from Greenland Central School, where Thomas was a student — was dedicated to Thomas, not far from another tree planted by his old Cub Scout pack in his memory.

"I'm sure there's a lot of things people have done that we don't know about, which is fine," Brian said. "But the fact that people are doing things in memory of somebody they've never met, I find that amazing."

Before they left the island, Brian and Debbie hung one more ornament — the same one Thomas made for them in first grade with his picture in it.

"That way, people who come here," Debbie said, "this is for them to see who Thomas was."

Investigation underway in fatal Plant City parade float accident

2008-02-03T21:08:00.001-08:00

Plant City -- Last night's City Commission meeting went on as scheduled. But from the prayers and the mayor's opening remarks, it was clear everyone's mind was on nine-year-old Jordan Hays. He was killed when he was run over by a Christmas parade float Friday night.

"No words can be spoken to ease the pain. I know all of us are searching for those words. There are no words," Mayor Rick Lott told the gathering.

After Friday's accident, city leaders are calling not only for a full investigation into what happened, but policy changes as well. Plant City Manager Dave Sollenberger told us, "We're not sitting back and ignoring this. We're deeply concerned and we never want to see anything like this happen again."

According to police, the boy was walking alongside the float drivien by his cousin, passing out candy to the crowd during the city's annual Christmas parade. His leg got caught in the wheel of the float trailer. He was pulled under and run over.

Johnny Knotts was among four people who tried to save Jordan as he was slipping away. "He was with four people who really loved him that night...and he was at peace," Knotts said.

The accident has left everyone in city government uneasy. Could it have been avoided? Were emergency responders there quick enough? Those are questions the City Manager wants answered in full reports from the police department, the fire department, and the parade committee.

The reports are due in the next few weeks. Once the city manager has compiled all the information, he plans on presenting some recommendations to the City Commission at their first meeting in January on what do do to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Most city government officials plan to attend Jordan's funeral this Friday in Floral City.

December 2, 2007 Parade Float Accident

2008-02-03T21:04:00.001-08:00

Docs remaining: 45
Subscription until: 01/02/2008 11:18 PM

St. Augustine Record, The (FL)
December 2, 2007

Section: News

Boy hurt in fall from parade float
Author: TIFFANY PAKKALA; tiffany.pakkala@staugustine.com
Article Text:A small boy is in stable condition after he fell off a float and was run over at the St. Augustine Christmas Parade Saturday, bringing the show to an abrupt halt in front of a crowd of spectators. Onlookers said Jacob Johns, 7, of St. Augustine, had his feet dangling close to a tire on the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation float at about 11:05 a.m. when he became entangled with the tire. "He was kicking his feet and the tire grabbed him and pulled him down," said Bill Mock as rescue workers attended the boy at the corner of Joiner Street and San Marco Avenue where the accident happened. ctxt_ad_css ='http://www.staugustine.com/css/yahoo.css';ctxt_ad_source = 'npc_morris_staugustinerecord_t2_ctxt_test';ctxt_ad_config = '9472395290';ctxt_ad_id = 'news';ctxt_ad_type = 'news';ctxt_ad_interface = 'http://cm.npc-morris.overture.com/js_1_0/';ctxt_ad_url = window.location.href;ctxt_ad_width = 300;ctxt_ad_height = 250; "I almost said something when they went by. I wish I had," Mock said. The trailer, decorated to look like an oversized sleigh, ran over the boy's abdomen after he fell between the deck and cargo rail. The accident happened about an hour into the parade. A nurse and an off-duty rescue worker who were watching the parade rushed to the boy's aid, according to St. Augustine Police. A St. Johns County Fire and Rescue ambulance arrived minutes later, driving up the parade route past all the waiting participants and spectators. St. Augustine Fire Department also responded. The parks float was near the end of the parade. WEB EXTRA Video: 'Young child' run over during parade Jacob, who was lying on the road to the left of the trailer as medical personnel worked on him, was conscious as crews cut off his red Christmas shirt and most of his jeans. They placed a splint on his leg and carefully moved him to a stretcher. The parade, which had been on hold for about 20 minutes, resumed as Jacob was rushed to a landing site, where a helicopter picked him up and flew him to Shands Jacksonville. The hospital listed him in stable condition Saturday afternoon.
Copyright 2007, The St. Augustine Record, All Rights Reserved.
Record Number: 11D4E02AF6A332A8

December 2, 2007 (NEW) Utility Trailer Parade float detaches.

2008-02-03T21:02:00.001-08:00

Record 3 of 1778
Estimated printed pages: 1
Printer Friendly | Back to Results
e-mail this article to:

Save this Article
Docs remaining: 46
Subscription until: 01/02/2008 11:18 PM

Region: ThorndaleTXUnited States
Region: United States
UPI NewsTrack
December 2, 2007

Topics:
Index Terms:
UPI NewsTrack Stories
UPI Top Stories
Entertainment News
North American News
festive event (including carnival)
road accident
accident (general)
injury
christmas
Three injured in Texas parade mishap
UPI News ServiceBy UPI News Service
Article Text:A weekend Christmas parade in Texas turned frightening when a float detached from a truck, injuring two women and a child. Thorndale authorities said when the parade float detached from the truck pulling it Saturday, one woman became pinned between them. She was taken to the hospital complaining of severe leg pains, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported Sunday. Another woman and a child on the float also were hurt when they fell during the accident.
Copyright 2007 United Press International, Inc., All rights reserved.
Record Number: UPI-20071202-154039-6479

Teen Dies In Homecoming Parade Accident

2008-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Teen Dies In Homecoming Parade Accident

Paul Day
Reporting

(CBS4/AP) WESTCLIFFE, Colo. The town of Westcliffe is mourning the death of a teen who was injured during a high school homecoming parade Saturday.

Custer County High School canceled its homecoming game and dance after the accident.

County officials say Courtney Curtis, 15, tried to climb aboard a float built on a flatbed trailer and fell under the trailer's back wheels.

"She was trying to get on between the trailer and the tractor portion of the float … and her feet slipped," Sheriff Fred Jones said. "This has bothered me a lot and I've seen a lot in my career, but this has bothered me more than most of them."

She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

"She was a happy girl lots and lots of friends." Principal Barb Jones said. "She was a quiet student, but very well loved."

Custer County High School has canceled classes for Monday.

Grief counselors will be on hand when school resumes.

Would Float Railing Have Prevented N.H. Parade Tragedy?

2008-02-03T20:52:00.001-08:00

East News
Would Float Railing Have Prevented N.H. Parade Tragedy?

December 6, 2006

A bill rejected by the state Legislature four years ago would have required a safety railing on parade floats � a measure that might have prevented the death of a 9-year-old boy in Portsmouth's holiday parade.

Some witnesses said Thomas Fogarty of Greenland was sitting with his legs dangling over the side of his Cub Scout troop's float when it hit a bump and he fell in the path of the wheels. Others said he was walking beside the float when he fell. He was run over and later died of his injuries at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

The 2002 bill would have required floats to be equipped with a railing at least 3 feet high and solid enough to prevent a small child from squeezing through. It was rejected by the state Senate.

The bill's sponsor, former Senate President Beverly Hollingworth, D-Hampton, said it was impossible to know whether such a law would have prevented Saturday night's accident.

"I can't say this would have never happened. I can't even go there,'' said Hollingworth, who was recently elected to the Executive Council.

"I just want to say I am heartsick for the family, the people driving the float, the chaperones and everyone involved,'' she told Foster's Daily Democrat. "It must be one of the most traumatic experiences for them. Everybody can second-guess, but that's not what we should be doing right now.''

Hollingworth said many people felt at the time the bill was not needed.

"The reason legislation failed, I believe, is because everyone felt they were doing everything necessary. My feeling for sponsoring the bill was that without a lot of expense we could make sure the kids were contained within the floats,'' she said.

Hollingworth said she sponsored the bill after years of watching her children and grandchildren take part in parades.

"I always preferred to have my kids marching or walking,'' she said. "In a parade, there is just so much going on, adults can't watch every single one of the kids.''

The state's mandatory vehicle restraint law for children doesn't apply to school buses, antique cars or parade floats traveling less than 10 mph.

The Portsmouth death came a day after a 3-year-old girl was seriously injured after falling from a parade float in Freeport, Maine.

___

Information from: Foster's Daily Democrat,
http://www.fosters.com
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Find this article at:
http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2006/12/06/74756.htm
© 2007 Wells Publishing, Inc. Reprint Information | Home Search | Contact Us

2 Killed in Brooklyn Parade, 3d Dies in Accident Afterward

2008-02-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

The New York Times

September 7, 1999
2 Killed in Brooklyn Parade, 3d Dies in Accident Afterward
By SOMINI SENGUPTA

Two 11-year-old children were killed and another child was injured yesterday afternoon when a minivan lurched out of control at the annual Caribbean parade in Brooklyn. The accident cast a pall over a joyful festival that has grown into one of the largest gatherings in New York City.

The van, which was covered with feathers and carrying costumes for parade performers, struck the children as they danced in the streets to the bouncing rhythms of Trinidadian soca music, pinning them against a mammoth sound truck just in front.

Hours later, as revelers were dispersing after the parade, an 18-year-old man was struck and killed by a sound truck along the parade route, the police said.

The accident that killed the two children came at the peak of the West Indian American Carnival parade, a festival that offers the city's West Indian immigrants a joyful release from the activities of daily life. The police did not have a crowd estimate last night, but in previous years the parade has drawn two million people, making it the largest parade in New York.

The accident delayed the festivities but did not stop them. Under unexpectedly sunny skies, nurses and cooks, housekeepers and lawyers donned sequined and feathered costumes for the procession along Eastern Parkway. Vendors served jerk chicken, curried goat and the cool juice of sorrel while flags from every Caribbean nation doubled as head scarves and sarongs. Spectators squeezed against one another, most of them unaware of the crash.

The two 11-year-olds, a boy named Dawn Joseph and a girl named Zacehel David, were taken to Kings County Hospital Center, where they were pronounced dead. A third child, Kara Charles, 10, suffered neck and back injuries and was in stable condition last night. Four others in the parade suffered minor injuries.

The police said the crash, which occurred shortly before 2 P.M., appeared to have been an accident. The driver of the van and the driver of the truck, which was carrying a soca band called Caribbean Magic, were tested for alcohol but were not intoxicated, said Inspector Michael Collins, a police spokesman.

''The victims appeared to be dancing between the van and the truck,'' Inspector Collins said. ''It doesn't appear to be alcohol-related or mechanical failure. It just looks like an accident.''

The van, a black Astro, was carrying costumes for dancers and performers up ahead. Just before the accident, the police said, the driver, Ashton P. Gertton, 71, of Brooklyn, had stepped out of the van to help some dancers with their costumes.

When he returned to the driver's seat, he apparently lost control. The driver of the truck ahead, Winston G. Scott, also of Brooklyn, was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended license, but he was not cited in connection with the accident, the police said.

Dawn Joseph had moved to Brooklyn from Florida in July to live with his mother and grandfather, the grandfather, Augustus Joseph, said last night. The boy was to start junior high school this week, and his mother, Donna, planned to enroll him in karate classes, Mr. Joseph, 54, said from the porch of his house on Midwood Street in East Flatbush.

Instead, Donna Joseph held her only child in her arms as he died, Mr. Joseph said.

''She said she just saw the van take off and she couldn't believe it was going to hit those kids,'' he said. ''But by the time she ran to try to get him out of the way, the van had already hit him. He was just crushed.''

For a little more than two hours, police officers blocked the westbound lanes of Eastern Parkway near the corner of Nostrand Avenue, where the accident had occurred. The parade continued on the two other lanes, and a cadre of police officers tried to keep an increasingly frustrated crowd behind barricades. Those who witnessed the accident described it as a momentary flash of horror, almost soundless in the midst of a noisy and boisterous celebration.

James Charles, 43, of Paterson, N.J., was standing in the shade of a tree near the intersection when, he said, he saw the minivan inexplicably accelerate. ''It just picked up speed all of a sudden and rammed into the truck,'' said Mr. Charles, a maintenance man and a native of Trinidad. ''The people were pinned in between.''

Like dozens of others, he jumped over a barricade in an effort to help, he said. A woman was pumping a little girl's chest. Another was trying to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Paramedics arrived within minutes, he said, and the police blocked off the area.

A jumble of white and pink feathers along with crushed plastic bottles lay on the street yesterday afternoon, marking the spot of the accident. After the police cleared the area and reopened the eastbound lanes of the parkway, a sound truck bearing a Trinidadian band, Krosfyah, sang their version of Bob Marley's ''Redemption Song.''

It was not the first time the Caribbean parade has been marred by fatal accidents. In 1997 a parade spectator was struck by a vehicle and killed, the police said, and in 1994 a man was crushed by the wheels of a float .

The second fatal accident yesterday occurred about 8 P.M., after the parade had ended but before all the sound trucks had been cleared off the parkway, the police said. Kevon Donovan, 18, apparently got his clothing caught in the wheel of a tractor-trailer truck near the corner of Brooklyn Avenue and was dragged under it, said Officer Valerie St. Rose, a police spokeswoman.

Witnesses said that Mr. Donovan, of Clarkson Avenue in East Flatbush, had backed into the street along with several other people when someone in the crowd brought out a large yellow snake.

''A guy came through with a snake and that's what I guess got him shook,'' said Ryan Girard, a friend of Mr. Donovan's who was mourning him outside Kings County Hospital, where he died at 9:25 P.M. ''Everybody started pushing. I tried to pull him out from under the truck, but I couldn't do nothing. He looked at me and called out my name.''

Mr. Donovan was from the Caribbean island commonwealth St. Lucia and was going into 12th grade at Frederick Douglass High School, Mr. Girard said.

The driver of the truck, Hugh Bennett, 50, of Mount Vernon, N.Y., was not charged in connection with the accident, although he was arrested on a warrant for failure to pay child support, the police said.

For the last several years, the parade has become the major event for Labor Day in the city, eclipsing the procession organized by union leaders, who this year held their parade on the Wednesday before Labor Day.

Even though the parade is an expression of Caribbean culture rather than labor solidarity, the celebration is in many ways a fitting Labor Day procession, led by thousands of men and women who make the city work. But for this Labor Day parade, workaday clothes often take a holiday.

Yesterday, a nurse who works the night shift at Kings County Hospital strutted around in a costume with six serpents dancing above his head.

A security guard who commutes for two hours every day called herself Tiger Tiger, outfitted in a leopard-spot bodysuit. A beautician from Far Rockaway, Queens, became a butterfly with gossamer wings of blue and silver.

Indeed, for those who do it year after year, playing mas, as the masquerade of Carnival is called, is not just a reminder of the rituals of home, but a brief escape from the trouble and toil of everyday existence.

''Because of the stressful life we have, everybody looks forward to this,'' said Ricardo Lorick, the nurse, who was parading yesterday with a group called Hawks International. ''Instead of taking my frustration out on my family and my patients, I save it up and take it out here.''

Several of his colleagues from Kings County marched in hospital T-shirts. ''That's boring,'' Mr. Lorick said flatly. Instead, he posed for pictures early yesterday afternoon in an outfit he designed and built at home -- an imaginary creature with gold wings and six snake heads. He called himself Beast Master. ''I like being in the spotlight.''

He wasn't alone. Michael Lewis, the king of Hawks International, showed a visitor his turquoise blue costume, which weighed 60 pounds.

He said he and his wife had spent nearly $10,000 on their costumes this year and had spent countless evenings cutting and sewing in the backyard of their house in Richmond Hill, all for a hot afternoon of dancing and extravagant display.

Today, he will return to work in a suit and tie, as a chief financial officer of a legal services agency. ''For 35 to 55 hours a week, you're in an office, and you need an outlet,'' said Mr. Lewis, 48. ''Although this is very difficult work -- a lot of time goes into it -- it's very relaxing to me. A lot of people will tell you this is therapy for me, instead of paying a psychiatrist.''

Bill would change laws for parades

2008-02-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/hampton/01302007/nhnews-hu-h-reg-
legislative0130.html


Bill would change laws for parades

By Chris Dornin
Golden Dome News
CONCORD -- A Portsmouth lawmaker has filed a bill to ban flatbed 
trailers with outrigger wheels from parades after the recent death of 
a Greenland Cub Scout. Nine-year-old Thomas Fogarty was riding on a 
Portsmouth Holiday Parade float with his Scout pack around 6:15 p.m. 
Dec. 2 on Islington Street when he somehow fell in front of a double-
axle wheel. Authorities don't know what caused the tragedy, but they 
have ruled it an accident.

Representative Paul McEachern, D-Portsmouth, is prime sponsor of HB 
296, a one-line bill that says, "No person may use any type of 
flatbed trailer with outrigger wheels in a parade." McEachern said 
the wheels on Fogarty's float stuck out from the side of the trailer.

"The police said the boy was sitting forward of the outrigger wheels 
and either fell in front of them or got his leg caught in the wheel 
and was pulled under," the Portsmouth rep said. "Many trailers have 
the wheels underneath. Those wouldn't be outlawed."

Senator Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, has filed a companion bill that 
might merge with McEachern's. She hasn't seen the final draft, but 
her legislation would require a parade permit for any float that 
carries minors. The float would either have a 3-foot railing to keep 
kids from falling off, or the adults would tether or seat belt the 
kids onto the platform. If these options were impractical, the 
sponsors of the float could set up radio communication between the 
adult on the flatbed and the driver so the truck could stop at the 
first sign of danger.

"They've got to be able to hit the brakes right now," Hassan said. 
"The intent isn't to dictate what to do in every case, but to get 
them thinking about the situation they're placing kids in. Hopefully, 
the adult would see a dangerous problem in time to intervene."

Rep. Jim Splaine, D-Portsmouth, is a co-sponsor on both bills, and 
other Seacoast lawmakers may be signing on.

McEachern said a second serious accident in the same holiday parade 
could have become a fatality. A man walking beside a flatbed float 
was using a rope to tow the bell of a restored antique fire pump. The 
heavy trailer wheels ran over his toes.

"He's had all kinds of complications," MacEachern said "He was either 
walking too slow, or the parade started back up when he wasn't 
expecting. People have to realize how dangerous these trailers are, 
despite their slow speed. They're just not designed for parades, 
which are stop and go by definition."

Walter Lebor, the owner of Great Northern Excavating in Exeter, said 
he's never seen the trailer addressed in McEachern's bill. He assumed 
it applies to specialty trailers for hauling extra-heavy equipment.

"The standard low-bed around town doesn't have them," Lebor said. 
"Some have metal brackets to give it an extra foot of width, but the 
wheels are way inside the outrigger. I can't think of any trailer it 
would apply to."

McEachern said he has in mind wheels that jut outside the outline of 
the trailer as viewed from above.

Portsmouth Police Lt. Rodney McQuate headed the accident 
investigation and confirmed that no charges would be filed.

The boy's parents could not be reached by phone, but they have set up 
a memorial fund for their late son to support school enrichment 
programs. Donors may send gifts to the Thomas Edward Fogarty Memorial 
Fund, c/o Greenland Central School, 70 Post Road, Greenland, NH 03840.

Brian and Deborah Fogarty issued a statement a few days after their 
loss, thanking the community for its overwhelming support and 
praising the rescue workers.

"We ask that you please keep everyone involved in this tragic 
accident in your thoughts and prayers," the parents said, describing 
Thomas as a beautiful, bright, energetic, and life-loving boy.

"Although this is a tragic and sad time in our lives, we believe that 
something positive will come out of this," they added. "Last, we ask 
that you give your children an extra hug tonight and value the time 
that you have together.

5-year-old hit by vehicle at parade

2008-02-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

5-year-old hit by vehicle at parade

Accident drives talk of candy ban

5-year-old hit by vehicle at parade

By Brian Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen

(21 comments)

Reader services

Print this story...

Email this story...

Subscribe to newsletter...

Comment on this story...

Email us

Subscribe to newspaper...

ADVERTISEMENT
&amp;lt;script&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/script&amp;gt; &amp;lt;NOSCRIPT&amp;gt; &amp;lt;A HREF=<a>"http://gcirm.press-citizen.gcion.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/ia-iowacity.press-citizen.com/news/article.htm/1096988806/300x250_1/OasDefault/AMA_ROS_Poster/AMA_ROS_Poster.html/34623462373666393437306363386430?http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/N3382.Metro/B2445424.33;abr=!ie4;abr=!ie5;sz=300x250;ord=[1096988806]?"</a>&amp;gt; &amp;lt;IMG SRC=<a>"http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/N3382.Metro/B2445424.33;abr=!ie4;abr=!ie5;sz=300x250;ord=[1096988806]?"</a> BORDER=0 WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=250 ALT="Click Here"&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/A&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/NOSCRIPT&amp;gt;

More...

• Photo gallery: UI Homecoming Celebration

Organizers of the University of Iowa homecoming parade said it was unfortunate that a child was run over during Friday's parade, while some people want to ban candy being distributed during the event.

"It is really up to parents to keep their kids back," said Shelly Stout, the executive director of the UI Homecoming Council, the group that planned the parade. "We can only do so much with our crowd control. It is unfortunate that this happened."

Police responded at 6:23 p.m. Friday to the Washington and Dubuque streets intersection, which was on the parade route, to an unnamed 5-year-old who was run over by a vehicle, according to Sgt. Troy Kelsay, the public information officer with the Iowa City Police Department.

"The dispatcher was under the impression it was more of a scare than anything, but I don't know the extent of injuries," Kelsay said, adding the child was transported by a private vehicle to a hospital, but he was not sure which one.

Kelsay and Stout said this is the first accident they can recall during the annual parade, and they had not received any complaints or heard of other incidents this year.

Stout said she did not have many details about the accident but said that a girl fell off a truck bed.

Some residents have expressed concern that the parade is dangerous because people on the floats toss candy into the crowd, prompting children to run into the street and potentially in front of moving vehicles.

Stout said their policy forbids throwing candy from floats, but they can hand it to people directly.

Rhys Jones of Iowa City attended the parade with his wife and 6-year-old twins. He said the candy makes the parade dangerous.

Jones said he watched four or five incidents where people would grab candy from the floats and dump handfuls into the middle of the street leading children to run into the middle of traffic.

"Every year you hear complaints from parents," Jones said. "It's hard to believe that Iowa City, with all its rules and regulations, allows this."

Jones said some communities don't allow candy in their parades, and that Iowa City should ban it, too.

"I am seriously questioning if we can go to another parade," Jones said, noting they have been going for the past four years.

Sgt. Doug Hart, who has been with the Iowa City Police Department for the past 15 years, was on duty at the parade Friday. He said he thinks the parade is safe and that parents must take responsibility to ensure their own children's safety.

Puller says float struck man after brakes gave out ; The accident, which injured a bystander, occurred despite new parade safety measures in Bath.

2008-02-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Puller says float struck man after brakes gave out ; The accident, which injured a bystander, occurred despite new parade safety measures in Bath.

From:: Portland Press Herald (Maine)
Date:: July 6, 2007
Author:: MATT WICKENHEISER Staff Writer
More results for:: runaway trailer accident

Portland Press Herald (Maine)

07-06-2007

Puller says float struck man after brakes gave out ; The accident, which injured a bystander, occurred despite new parade safety measures in Bath.
Byline: MATT WICKENHEISER Staff Writer
Edition: Final
Section: Front

The man who lost control of a lawn tractor pulling a float in the Bath Heritage Days Parade last weekend said he lost his brakes before hitting and seriously injuring Mark J. Shapiro, a Maine Maritime Museum official who was handing out fliers along the route.

"I was going down Center Street hill and I lost the brakes - it just came on sudden," William Gibson of Damariscotta said Thursday. "I went to go on the side of the road, get out of everybody's way. I even tried to stop and put the emergency brake on, tried to stop it with my foot."
Shapiro, 47, remained in serious condition with a head injury Thursday at Maine Medical Center while police continued to investigate. Sunday's incident was the fourth parade accident in Maine and seacoast New Hampshire in the past year that has resulted in death or serious injury.

In the most serious, a 9-year-old boy died in December after falling from and being run over by the float on which he was riding during the annual holiday parade in Portsmouth, N.H.

Days before, a 3-year-old girl fell from a float in a Freeport parade and was seriously injured when she was run over.

Also in December, a 5-year-old girl's leg was broken while she was marching in a parade in Ellsworth and was hit by a truck towing a trailer.

Coincidentally, the accident that injured Shapiro happened during the first year of new safety rules adopted by Bath parade organizers in response to those accidents. Police Chief Michael Field, who was chair of the Heritage Days Parade, was on the committee that worked out the new rules.

Volunteer firefighters were stationed along the parade route.

Riders couldn't hang their legs over the edge of the floats, and safe ratios of children-to-adults were determined. Riders in pickup truck beds had to be seated, he said, and tailgates had to be closed. And, Field said, parade participants weren't allowed to throw candy to the crowd - they could only hand it out.

"I was part of that parade committee, and I'm just horrified," Field said.

He said the lawn mower tractor is being inspected by a mechanic who works specifically on such vehicles, to determine whether there was a mechanical problem. He expected to have a report on the vehicle by the beginning of next week.

The department's accident reconstructionist is investigating the case, and police have interviewed witnesses as well, Field said.

Asked if criminal charges could result from the accident, Field said the District Attorney's Office would review the investigation report.

"What comes out of that, I don't know," said Field. "There's nothing pending at this point."

Field said he didn't think his involvement on the parade committee complicated the accident investigation.

"I am confident that the investigation is being handled professionally and independently of me personally," he said.

Gibson, 41, said he has had a float in the parade for the past five years to advertise his business, Will's Landscaping. He was driving a Wizard lawn mower tractor that was towing a trailer carrying his wife, brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

"I yelled, 'Watch out' really loud. The next thing you know, I hit somebody. I didn't do it on purpose. It was an accident," Gibson said.

He said a police officer and other people grabbed his tractor and trailer to stop it.

Gibson hit the steering wheel and threw his back out, he said, and his sister-in-law hurt her leg.

Shapiro joined the Maine Maritime Museum on May 24 as manager of communications and marketing, said Executive Director Amy Lent.

Shapiro also is a professional photographer and artist who maintains a studio in Tenants Harbor called "tech-tiques gallery." Shapiro is engaged to be married, Lent said.

The museum is collecting contributions to assist Shapiro's family. Anyone who is interested may call the museum at 443-1316.

Staff Writer Matt Wickenheiser can be contacted at 791-6316 or at:

mwickenheiser@pressherald.com

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: Courtesy photo Mark Shapiro, who suffered a serious head
injury when struck by a runaway float, is engaged to be married.

Copyright 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

This material is published under license from the publisher through ProQuest Information and Learning Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to ProQuest Information and Learning Company. For permission to reuse this article, contact Copyright Clearance Center.

Mansura Teen Killed In Parade Accident

2008-02-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

Mansura Teen Killed In Parade Accident

Article published Feb 3, 2008
Mansura Teen Killed In Parade Accident
Town Talk Staff

Mardi Gras festivities in Avoyelles Parish were marred when Kain Sayer, 21, of Mansura struck and killed his 16-year-old brother, Clay, with a Mardi Gras float in tow behind a pick-up during a parade.

The truck had stopped on Community Center Road near La. Hwy. 107 around 5 p.m. Saturday. Clay Sayer was standing near the vehicle to talk to some of the participants when Sayer began pulling forward, pinning the boy under the float, according to a Louisiana State Police press release. He died at the scene.

Police charged Sayer with DWI, vehicular homicide and careless operation, according to the release.

The Avoyelles Parish Coroner's Office is investigating the cause of death.

This is the fourth fatality investigation conducted by Troop E since the beginning of the year.

Float Rider Killed During Endymion

2008-02-03T11:52:00.002-08:00

Float Rider Killed During Endymion

POSTED: 10:28 am CST February 3, 2008

UPDATED: 10:31 am CST February 3, 2008
NEW ORLEANS -- The return of Endymion was marked with tragedy.On Saturday night, a rider on the captain’s float fell off and was killed.The accident happened outside the Superdome just after the float paraded through the Endymion Extravaganza, which takes place inside the Superdome.The back of the Superdome, where the fatality occurred, was marked off with crime scene tape by the New Orleans Police Department.Investigators said it was an accident.“Our preliminary investigation reveals that the rider attempted to exit the back of the float prematurely and he fell off the float,” NOPD Officer Jonette Williams said. “The driver did not know the man had exited or fallen off and was therefore struck by the second, back portion of the float. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim is an adult male but we are not releasing his name at this time pending notification of his family.”In 2005, a Texas woman was killed at the Endymion Extravaganza. She fell from the Superdome’s second level to the floor while watching the parade. Copyright 2007 by WDSU.com. All rights reserved. T

Hancock businessman Compretta dies in accident

2008-02-03T11:52:00.001-08:00

Hancock businessman Compretta dies in accident

Posted on Sun, Feb. 03, 2008

Hancock businessman Compretta dies in accident

SUN HERALD

-- Hancock County businessman Jody Compretta died Saturday night in New Orleans as a result of an accident at the Endymion parade.

The Sun Herald has learned that Compretta, son of state Rep. J.P. Compretta, was reportedly riding on a float in the Krewe of Endymion parade. When the float stopped, Compretta got off, thinking the parade had ended. When the sectioned float began to move again, Compretta was knocked down and run over.

No other details are available at this time. Check back to sunherald.com for updates as details become available and in Monday's Sun Herald print edition for the full story.

Carnival parade float driver runs over brother

2008-02-03T11:51:00.001-08:00

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Carnival parade float driver runs over brother

2/2/2008, 10:35 p.m. CST The Associated Press

MAKSVILLE, La. (AP) — A 21-year-old driver towing a float in a Carnival parade ran over and killed his 16-year-old brother Saturday evening, state police said.

Clay Michael Sayer was between Kain N. Sayer's pickup truck and the float behind it, talking to riders on the float during a brief stop shortly before 5 p.m., according to a news release from Trooper Scott Moreau.

He said the younger Sayer was pinned by the float when the pickup truck started again.

Kain Sayer was booked with vehicular homicide — killing someone while driving drunk; first-offense drunk driving and careless driving, Moreau said.

The accident occurred about five miles north of the central Louisiana town of Marksville, a town of 5,800 about 75 miles northwest of Baton Rouge.

Report: Parade Death Avoidable

2008-02-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

Published: Sunday, January 13, 2008

Report: Parade Death Avoidable

The death of a 9-year-old boy who was run over by a Christmas parade float while throwing candy to onlookers could have been prevented, a report said.
The city report released Friday said Plant City leaders should change the parade rules, that Jordan Hays was too young to walk the parade route, and that officials should consider banning the distribution of beads and candy in parades.

Hays was killed in the Dec. 7 parade as he reached for more candy. His foot was caught by a float's wheel and he was dragged underneath, authorities said.

The report found Hay's death was not caused by spectators crowding the float, but that crowd control has been a problem in the past.

Tragedy at a Parade- 'It All Went in Slow Motion

2008-02-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Published: Monday, December 10, 2007

Tragedy at a Parade- 'It All Went in Slow Motion'

By S.I. ROSENBAUM,
BARBARA BEHRENDT & WILLIAM R. LEVESQUE,

PLANT CITY | On Saturday, Tammy Bridges returned to the place where her young cousin fell.

The sidewalk was empty. Nothing marked the spot except a few candies still scattered on the ground and the flowers from strangers propped against a street pole.

In her mind, she kept seeing Jordan's little body lying broken and lifeless in the street. She couldn't shake the image.

"It all went in slow motion," she said.

Nine-year-old Jordan Hays was crushed and killed as he reached for candy on the Greater Heights Family Worship Center float during the Plant City Christmas parade Friday night.

Jordan, a float participant, had been handing out candy to the crowd.

Plant City police said Saturday they are investigating the incident, but expect no criminal charges to be filed.

"This was the worst outcome of a great event," said Plant City police Lt. Jerry Stwan.

Stwan said the boy was reaching for candy when his feet got caught in the float's wheels. The candy, police said, was on the top of a flatbed trailer, right in front of the wheels, which Stwan said may have contributed to the accident.

It was Jordan's first time in the parade.

The accident happened on Collins Street after the parade halted for a few minutes near the railroad tracks. Jordan's family said people surged forward, trying to grab candy. Jordan, his older brother, Joshua Miller, and Tammy Bridges, 33, were crowded up against the sides of the float.

Then the float started moving again. Jordan's ankle got tangled in the float's axle and wheels. He was pulled under, and the wheels rolled across him, from his legs to his chest.

A police officer and Bridges screamed at the driver, Jordan's cousin Ricky "Bubba" Tarlton. Tarlton, who could not be reached to comment, had hit the brakes.

People shouted at Tarlton to back up. He did, family said. A police officer said in a report he saw the truck back up and run over Jordan a second time, which the family disputes.

Jerry Bridges, 37, Jordan's cousin and Tammy's husband, jumped down from the passenger seat. He performed CPR as Johnny Knotts, who owns a nearby hardware store, held the boy's legs.

Knotts said he and Bridges repeatedly urged the unconscious boy to stay alive, telling him, "Come on, fella! Make it! Make it! We're with you! You're not by yourself!"

Bridges kept performing CPR until rescue workers pulled him away and took over. In the crowd around them, people formed prayer circles.

"I tried to save him," Jerry kept saying to Tammy. A resident of Lake Panasoffkee in Sumter County, just over the Citrus County line, Jordan was a third-grader at Inverness Primary School.

IPS principal Marlise Bushman plans to call the Citrus school district's crisis team into the school today for her staff and her students.

Festival organizers aim for safety

2008-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

www.news8austin.com

Festival organizers aim for safety
Updated: 1/30/2008 4:36:15 PM
By: Veronica Castelo


	Parade safety is a big concern.

Festivals are supposed to be fun, festive and care free.

Former Elgin City Manager Jack Harzke said he never worried about much when he used to help with the annual Western Days Festival.

"Our biggest fear was some kid getting hit by a candy being thrown off the float," Harzke said.

Today, Harzke said it's different.

"In recent times, there have been some sad accidents and some fatal accidents. People are more worried about the liability," Harzke said.

One accident on the minds of Central Texans occurred in Hutto in 2005. A settlement is now being finalized in the case of a 12-year old girl who died after falling off a float during a parade.

Gena Carter is the President of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce. She said reports of injuries at other festivals is one of many reasons organizers in Elgin are now on high alert.

"We want to make sure the participants are safe as well as
the people watching the parade," Carter said.

Carter said other festival organizers are also concerned. Some are doing away with activities that increase liability like skate boarding demonstrations and pony rides.

Some organizers are even paying up to $6,000 for insurance to avoid lawsuits, according to Bill McCrary, the chairperson of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

Elgin is turning to its residents for help.

"We're making sure we have enough volunteers to address those
concerns regarding setting up barricades, inspecting floats and
making sure everyone obeys the rules of the parade," McCrary said.

Carter said the city does not currently have enough volunteers.

"We just want to make it a safe event and as it grows and more people come, it's harder to address some of those issues," Carter said.

If people don't step up, Carter said the city will have to make some changes to its lineup. It may mean the 39th Annual
Western Days will be different, but Carter said it will be safe.

Western Days is scheduled for June 24 through the 28. The Chamber of Commerce will hold a meeting for anyone interested in volunteering next Tuesday. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the
Chamber office.

You can also call (512) 285-4515 for more information.

Plant City Commission releases recommendations following parade death

2008-02-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Plant City Commission releases recommendations following parade death

PLANT CITY -- The Plant City Commission has released a review of a 2007 Plant City Christmas Parade accident.

9-year-old Jordan Hays died during the parade on December 7. He was walking alongside a float driven by his cousin when his leg was pulled under by the trailer wheel and he was run over. Four people tried to save Jordan at the scene.

Among the findings in the report, the Commission found Hays' death to be accidental, but preventable. The Commission also found that the float design could have contributed to the accident.

The recommendations include prohibiting the tossing of candy and beads, using more parade marshals, and to begin safety inspections for floats. Another suggestion is to make the parade a day-time event.

4-year-old Moody boy injured during annual parade

2007-12-20T11:29:00.002-08:00

St. Clair Times, The (Pell City, AL) March 24, 2004
Section: stclairnews

4-year-old Moody boy injured during annual parade

Author: Kellie Long

Article Text:A four-year-old boy injured as he fell from a parade float in Moody last Saturday is reportedly stable and doing well. The unidentified four-year-old fell from a trailer in Saturday's little league opening day parade while he was throwing candy to the crowd gathered to enjoy the annual event, according to Police Chief Bobby Clements. The trailer then rolled over the boy injuring him. "Officers and medics were on the scene in seconds and he was transported to Children's Hospital in stable condition," Clements said. According to Clements, the trailer was passing in front of CVS Pharmacy on Moody Parkway when the boy, who was throwing candy, appeared to loose his balance and tumble from the trailer that was carrying his father and his teammates. "The opening day parade is a big thing in Moody," Clements said. "We are all so very glad he was not more seriously injured." Clements also said that safety in future parades is being addressed.

Record Number: 4c24n2732

Boy fatally crushed in Somerset parade float accident

2007-12-20T11:29:00.001-08:00

Star-Ledger, The (Newark, NJ) October 28, 2001
Edition: FINAL Section: NEW JERSEY Page: 25

Boy fatally crushed in Somerset parade float accident

Author: CATHY BUGMAN; STAR-LEDGER STAFF

Article Text:The 9-year-old son of a Montgomery Township teacher died yesterday after he fell off a parade float and was crushed in front of a crowd of horrified onlookers, authorities said. George Dale tumbled off the float into the gap between the front of the rolling display and the rear bumper of a pickup truck that was pulling it, Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest said. Dale and his father, eighth-grade teacher Henry Dale, both Princeton Borough residents, were among the 20 people on the float, which was sponsored by the Montgomery Teachers Education Association. "He fell through the open area, onto the roadway, and was run over by the trailer," Forrest said. The tragedy occurred at 10:14 a.m., just minutes after the parade stepped off from its gathering spot in the parking lot of Montgomery Middle School, Forrest said. The float was headed down the middle school driveway, to Burnt Hill Road, which was lined with spectators, to the high school. "It really was an accident. I don't believe that flatbed was going more than 3 miles an hour," said Montgomery School Superintendent Stuart Schnur, who was in a car in front of the float carrying the boy. "A bike could have gone faster than we were going." Stunned parade watchers saw the boy slip under the vehicle, but by the time the driver of the truck, James Ladtanzio, 45, of Corning, N.Y., was alerted, it was too late, the prosecutor said. Ladtanzio is an employee of Bond Parade Float Co., which was hired to provide the truck and trailer, Forrest said. George Dale was transported to the Medical Center at Princeton, where he was pronounced dead at 11:27 a.m., authorities said. The boy suffered severe head and chest injuries, but investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death, Forrest said. He did not know when the results will be available. The flatbed trailer, 28 feet long, 8 feet wide and 3 feet off the ground, has a railing on each side that reaches up 3 feet high, as well as a barrier in the back to protect people from falling off, authorities said. But George was near the front of the trailer where there is a 2-foot gap between the rear bumper of the truck and the beginning of the float, Forrest said. The prosecutor's Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team was sent to the scene. No charges have been filed, but investigators are continuing their probe. Yesterday, teachers at Princeton's Johnson Park School were busy calling families of students who were in classes with the boy and his brother, Julian, who is a first-grade student at the school. Princeton School Superintendent Claire Sheff Kohn said parents were asked if they want to tell their children about the tragedy or if they would prefer school officials to announce the news. "We are also pulling psychologists and social workers from other schools so they will be on hand," Sheff Kohn said. In the Dales' neighborhood, residents were shocked to hear that the boy who was often seen skateboarding up and down John Street had died. Neighbors said he was a quiet child, the second of three boys. They said he enjoyed sports and playing video games. Yesterday's parade, the kickoff of a longtime Montgomery tradition "Spirit Day," was canceled immediately after the incident. The procession featured a marching band, five floats, a firetruck and ambulance, among other parade units, with township residents lining the middle school driveway eager to cheer on their friends and neighbors. Afterward, a carnival with food, games and community booths was to have been held. "So many teachers felt so terrible with the tragedy that we decided to close up," Schnur said. "What a horrible thing, to have one of our children hurt so horribly."

Record Number: star20013bdc61300

2-year-old boy fatally crushed after falling from float in Fourth of July parade

2007-12-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

Associated Press Archive July 4, 2001

Topics:

Index Terms:
U.S. Domestic

2-year-old boy fatally crushed after falling from float in Fourth of July parade

Dateline: DOUGLASVILLE, Ga.

Article Text:A 2-year-old boy slipped from a float and was crushed to death Wednesday as he rode in an annual Fourth of July parade. Cole Sweat of Villa Rica was riding with his grandparents when he slipped and was crushed under the float's trailer. He was pronounced dead at a hospital, Douglas County Coroner Randy Daniel said. The parade was halted after the accident. "It's just an unfortunate accident. It's something that everybody's grieving over," said Daniel, who also was riding in the parade. "The (paramedics) worked just as hard as they could to save the boy's life, but it just couldn't be done." The boy's body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for an autopsy, but police are considering the death an accident, Daniel said.

Record Number: D7D1MKPG0

A MOTHER REMEMBERS HER SON SHE WAS ON THE SAME FLOAT WHEN 'FREAK ACCIDENT' LED TO HIS DEATH

2007-12-20T11:27:00.002-08:00

Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) October 8, 2001
Edition: Final Section: City & Region Page: B1

A MOTHER REMEMBERS HER SON SHE WAS ON THE SAME FLOAT WHEN 'FREAK ACCIDENT' LED TO HIS DEATH

Author: Valarie Honeycutt, Herald-Leader Staff Writer

Dateline: NICHOLASVILLE

Article Text:NICHOLASVILLE -- Cheerleading sponsor Janet Clem was in her glory Saturday as the West Jessamine High football float she was riding finished the parade route. Her three daughters were on the flatbed truck with her as was her 15-year-old son, the quarterback. It was shortly before noon. "Well, we've had another successful Jessamine Jamboree parade," Janet Clem remembers saying out loud, glancing back at Les, the boy people were starting to call a natural-born athlete. Then, she heard a commotion. The flatbed trailer they were riding on had made a sudden movement, causing Les to fall and become trapped under the rear wheels of the trailer, police and coroner reports would later say. When the truck driver hit his breaks, Janet and her three girls were also thrown from the float, but were not injured. Les was talking to rescuers, moaning, "My legs, my legs," Janet Clem said. Nicholasville firefighters lifted the trailer off Les and a helicopter rushed him to the University of Kentucky hospital in Lexington. In a few hours, doctors would be telling Janet and Les Clem Sr. that their son's legs were the least of his injuries. But Janet already knew that: "You could see the tire tracks across his chest." His lungs had collapsed. There was a lesion on his liver. His bladder was torn. The internal bleeding got worse and he died a short time later. As the ranch-style house in Jessamine County yesterday filled with dozens of teen-agers, Janet and Les Clem sat on their daughter's twin bed, making funeral arrangements with the football coach and officials from Southland Christian Church. Janet wore one of Les' T-shirts. Around her neck was a cross that he loved. She talked about a day recently when some of the school's cheerleaders were making signs to decorate the school. The cheerleaders told her they asked Les "'Who do you love, Les?'" And he replied: "My Mom." A sign saying "Les loves his mom," still hangs in the school hall. "He was the only sixth grader to ever make the high school baseball team. I taught him in class and he was so smart. He played basketball, too," Janet Clem, also an elementary school teacher, said about her son. Bubba, so nicknamed by the doctor who delivered him, was not into name brands, said his mom. "At the funeral, I want the boys to wear their football jerseys and you wear your coach's shirt," she told West Jessamine Football Coach Wes Johnson. To others in the room, she said, "He hated that dress up thing. Wear a shirt from Wal-Mart to the funeral." A few miles away at the West Jessamine High cafeteria, School Board Chairman Karl Smith was praying, surrounded by 250 parents, students and psychologists who had gathered for a counseling session. Superintendent Linda France said counselors would be at the school today, with private sessions offered for those who witnessed the accident. "You can't imagine how this community is feeling," said Mayor Sam Corman. "This was a good wholesome family who did everything together." Corman said he will meet with local officials who organized the 22nd Annual Jessamine Jamboree, who had removed vendors from Main Street this year because they were worried about street safety. Les and Janet Clem said they don't blame anyone for what they call a "freak accident" and think the Jessamine Jamboree should continue as a community tradition. In addition to his parents, Leslie Harrison Clem Jr. is survived by his sisters, Tiffany, 18, Kaitlyn, 12, and McKenzie, 9. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Southland Christian Church. The funeral service is set for 3 p.m. Tuesday on West Jessamine's football field. Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial scholarship An athletic scholarship fund has been created in memory of Leslie Harrison Clem Jr. Donations should be sent to Citizens National Bank of Jessamine County, 201 North Main Street, Nicholasville, 40356 in care of John Tranter. Caption:
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEM FAMILY
Janet Clem was with her son, Les, at the Regional World Series Playoffs for 13- and 14-year-old All-Stars last year in Fort Wayne, Ind. In addition to baseball and football, Les played basketball.

Record Number: 0110100165

WOMAN KILLED AFTER FALLING UNDER FLOAT IN CHRISTMAS PARADE IN MCMINNVILLE

2007-12-20T11:27:00.001-08:00

Commercial Appeal, The (Memphis, TN) December 3, 2001
Edition: Final Section: Metro Page: B2

Topics:

Index Terms:
FATAL ACCIDENT TN HOLIDAY

WOMAN KILLED AFTER FALLING UNDER FLOAT IN CHRISTMAS PARADE IN MCMINNVILLE

Author: The Associated Press

Dateline: McMINNVILLE, Tenn.

Article Text:A woman was killed when she fell off a float, driven by her husband and occupied by two of their three children, during a Christmas parade. Police said Rhonda Thomas, 35, of Warren County died Saturday night after being run over by the float in the annual parade. Witnesses said the float was nearing the staging area after completing the major part of the parade route. Police said she had gotten off the float and onto the tongue of the trailer when she either slipped or missed a step and fell into the path of the right axles of the trailer. Capt. Bryan Denton said police increased security for the parade to watch for children running into the street. He said the accident "is something you just can't prepare for." McMinnville is 66 miles southeast of Nashville.

Record Number: 0112040203

Schools deal with painful death of student after parade float accident

2007-12-20T11:26:00.001-08:00

Courier News (Bridgewater, NJ) October 30, 2001
Section: Local Page: B1

Topics:

Index Terms:
Death
Fatality
Celebration
Parade
Education
Student

Schools deal with painful death of student after parade float accident

Author: Kara L. Richardson; Staff Courier News

Dateline: Montgomery

Article Text:By KARA L. RICHARDSON Staff Writer A quiet, but enthusiastic boy was missing Monday from a fourth-grade classroom in Princeton. George Dale, 9, died after he fell off a Montgomery Township Spirit Day float Saturday morning. He was tossing candy with his father Henry Dale, an eighth-grade teacher in Montgomery. It is unclear whether George, who attended Johnson Park School, was accidentally shoved off the float, if there was a bump in the road or if the float made a sudden jolt that knocked him off the trailer and possibly under a wheel. While the accident is still under investigation, the boy's family and two school districts - Princeton Regional and Montgomery - remembered George, ached for his father who saw the accident happen and tried to cope with the tragedy. Princeton Regional teachers and staff were called over the weekend to prepare for a tough morning, Superintendent Claire Kohn said. The Johnson Park teachers and staff gathered before classes began to talk about George and how to react. "George is remembered as a very sweet child," said Claire Kohn, superintendent of Princeton Regional School District. "He was very popular among his classmates. He was quiet but held in high regard by the adults in the school, particularly his teachers, and by his classmates." There were counselors available in Johnson Park school, she said. In Montgomery, Spirit Day has been a popular event for almost 20 years, Committeeman Don Matthews said. That means thousands of kids were decorating the floats, watching the parade or playing in soccer games, he said. When the marching band came through and the parade stopped, the word spread quickly though the township and the normally joyous fall day turned somber, he said. "All of a sudden the mood changed completely, everybody just packed up and left," he said. Because so many students might have seen the accident and have been taught by the popular Montgomery Middle School social studies teacher, township schools also had counselors available, said Jack Rotter, a Montgomery schools spokesman. There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, said George's aunt, Lucy Gatchell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "George's scholarship fund for neighborhood children" at the Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ 08542.

Record Number: brg2001103111130759

Boy, 15, dies under wheels of a parade float carrying country line dancers

2007-12-20T11:25:00.002-08:00

Associated Press Archive July 22, 2001

Topics:

Index Terms:
U.S. Domestic

Boy, 15, dies under wheels of a parade float carrying country line dancers

Dateline: FAIRBANKS, Alaska

Article Text:A 15-year-old boy died beneath the wheels of a parade float carrying country line dancers after he tried to climb on board, authorities said. Rescue workers responding to the accident Saturday on the route of the Golden Days parade were unable to revive the boy, identified as David Lee Truex of Fairbanks. The dance group was being pulled on the back of a tractor-trailer rig. Scores of bystanders along the parade route witnessed the accident.

Record Number: D7DD6BIG0

Woman killed by float in parade accident

2007-12-20T11:25:00.001-08:00

The Knoxville News-Sentinel December 3, 2001
Edition: Final Page: B2

IN BRIEF

Article Text:Woman killed by float in parade accident McMINNVILLE -- A woman was killed when, during a Christmas parade, she fell off a float driven by her husband and occupied by two of their three children. Police said Rhonda Thomas, 35, of Warren County died Saturday night after being run over by the float in the annual parade. Witnesses said the float was nearing the staging area after completing the major part of the parade route. Police said she had gotten off the float and onto the tongue of the trailer when she either slipped or missed a step and fell into the path of the right axles of the trailer. The float was pulled by a tractor driven by the woman's husband of 15 years, Tim, a driver for a local trucking company. The float was sponsored by a Boy Scout troop. Rhonda Thomas died en route to a hospital after the 6:15 p.m. CST accident. Her husband told WKRN-TV she had just been accepted into nursing school. Murder-for-hire plot nets 15 years NASHVILLE -- A West Virginia woman faces up to 15 years in prison after being convicted in a murder-for-hire plot to kill her husband. Sentencing for Carolyn Ann Burdette, 39, of Reedy, W.Va., is set for Feb. 22, said prosecutor Richard F. Clippard on Friday. She was convicted Thursday in federal court for conspiracy and using a telephone across state lines with the intent to set up the murder of Randy Burdette. Mrs. Burdette was involved in an extramarital affair with Stephen Craig Adams, a soldier at Fort Campbell, Ky. Burdette persuaded Adams to seek out a sniper at the post to kill her husband. The sniper reported the contact, and an agent from the Army Criminal Investigation Division posed as a hit man and met with Mrs. Burdette. Adams was court-martialed and is serving a 14-year sentence. Fort Campbell straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, near Clarksville. South Knoxville man shoots self A 20-year-old South Knoxville man ended his cellular telephone conversation with a friend Friday morning and then shot himself in the head, police said. Dereck R. McMahan shot himself once in the head with a semiautomatic pistol about 3:30 a.m. after speaking to a female friend, said Knoxville Police Department Investigator Larry Vineyard. McMahan was in a field near College Park Apartments, 301 Lippencott St., where he lived when he shot himself. Vineyard said other residents of the apartments found McMahan's body at 7:38 a.m. Man convicted of strangling benefactor BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. -- A man was convicted of strangling the woman who took him in as a foster child years before, then stealing her jewelry, money and car. A Sullivan County jury deliberated five hours Thursday before finding Duane Brooks, 24, guilty of first-degree murder and theft of more than $10,000 in the Jan. 17, 2000, slaying of Carol Hendrickson, 55. "I feel sorry for the circumstances that he put himself in, but he got what he deserved," said David Hendrickson, one of the victim's children. Brooks was sentenced to life in prison for the murder conviction. He will be sentenced Jan. 11 on the theft charge. Hendrickson's children testified their family welcomed Brooks into their mother's home in 1994, but learned from her over the years that he'd become verbally abusive and had threatened to kill her. Brooks moved out when he turned 18, returned a year later and then moved out again in 1999 when Hendrickson obtained an order of protection. That order was due to expire less than a month before Brooks went to Hendrickson's home and killed her. He later admitted to investigators that he strangled Hendrickson with his hands after they argued, then put her body in her car, drove to Fort Patrick Henry Lake and let the car roll into the water. Two Knoxville men jailed after search RUTLEDGE -- Two Knoxville men were jailed on a slew of felony charges Wednesday after allegedly trying to run over a man who blocked the driveway of a house they were burglarizing. Jason Lawrence, 18, and Jeffery Dunlap, 32, were taken into custody by authorities after a lengthy search that ultimately involved a helicopter and K-9 tracking team, according to Detective Richard Mitchem of the Grainger County Sheriff's Department. About 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the two men allegedly burglarized a house on Indian Ridge Road. A male relative of the homeowners spotted the men carrying guns out of the house, blocked the driveway with his vehicle and then stood in the driveway, Mitchem explained. The men got into their car and tried to run the man down, Mitchem said. They later ditched their car in Blaine and left on foot carrying four rifles and shotguns allegedly pilfered from the home. After a search that lasted most of the day and involved a helicopter and K-9 team from the Knox County Sheriff's Department as well as officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the men were located off Patterson Town Road about 4:45 p.m. When Lawrence was arrested, he was allegedly standing in a front yard trying to make a call on his cellular phone, while Dunlap was later flushed out of the nearby woods, Mitchem said. Lawrence was charged with aggravated burglary, felony evading arrest and theft over $1,000. Dunlap is facing the same charges as well as a single count of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle. All the guns were recovered, Mitchem said.

Record Number: 452218

Boy fatally crushed in Somerset parade float accident

2007-12-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

Star-Ledger, The (Newark, NJ) October 28, 2001
Edition: FINAL Section: NEW JERSEY Page: 25

Boy fatally crushed in Somerset parade float accident

Author: CATHY BUGMAN; STAR-LEDGER STAFF

Record Number: star20013bdc61300

Boy hurt in fall from parade float

2007-12-20T11:21:00.002-08:00

St. Augustine Record, The (FL) December 2, 2007
Section: News

Boy hurt in fall from parade float

Author: TIFFANY PAKKALA; tiffany.pakkala@staugustine.com

Article Text:A small boy is in stable condition after he fell off a float and was run over at the St. Augustine Christmas Parade Saturday, bringing the show to an abrupt halt in front of a crowd of spectators. Onlookers said Jacob Johns, 7, of St. Augustine, had his feet dangling close to a tire on the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation float at about 11:05 a.m. when he became entangled with the tire. "He was kicking his feet and the tire grabbed him and pulled him down," said Bill Mock as rescue workers attended the boy at the corner of Joiner Street and San Marco Avenue where the accident happened. ctxt_ad_css ='http://www.staugustine.com/css/yahoo.css';ctxt_ad_source = 'npc_morris_staugustinerecord_t2_ctxt_test';ctxt_ad_config = '9472395290';ctxt_ad_id = 'news';ctxt_ad_type = 'news';ctxt_ad_interface = 'http://cm.npc-morris.overture.com/js_1_0/';ctxt_ad_url = window.location.href;ctxt_ad_width = 300;ctxt_ad_height = 250; "I almost said something when they went by. I wish I had," Mock said. The trailer, decorated to look like an oversized sleigh, ran over the boy's abdomen after he fell between the deck and cargo rail. The accident happened about an hour into the parade. A nurse and an off-duty rescue worker who were watching the parade rushed to the boy's aid, according to St. Augustine Police. A St. Johns County Fire and Rescue ambulance arrived minutes later, driving up the parade route past all the waiting participants and spectators. St. Augustine Fire Department also responded. The parks float was near the end of the parade. WEB EXTRA Video: 'Young child' run over during parade Jacob, who was lying on the road to the left of the trailer as medical personnel worked on him, was conscious as crews cut off his red Christmas shirt and most of his jeans. They placed a splint on his leg and carefully moved him to a stretcher. The parade, which had been on hold for about 20 minutes, resumed as Jacob was rushed to a landing site, where a helicopter picked him up and flew him to Shands Jacksonville. The hospital listed him in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

Record Number: 11D4E02AF6A332A8

HAY-RIDE TRAILER GOES OFF ROAD, INJURING 14

2007-12-20T11:21:00.001-08:00

Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) October 17, 2005
Edition: City Section: Area/State Page: B-2

Topics:

Index Terms:
LIST
ACCIDENT
ANIMAL
COURT
CHARITY
AWARD
ASSAULT

HAY-RIDE TRAILER GOES OFF ROAD, INJURING 14

Author: Collected from wire services and Times-Dispatch resources

Dateline: Roanoke

Article Text:Fourteen people were injured after the hay-ride trailer they were riding in went off a road and into a creek, police said. The trailer, pulled by a farm tractor, was traveling along a Bedford County road Saturday evening when a pin came loose, state police spokesman Sgt. Bob Carpentieri said. All but four passengers jumped off the trailer before it went off the road and landed in a creek, he said. One person was airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and four others were taken by ambulance, Carpentieri said. Nine people were treated at the scene, he said. Two PETA employees face more charges WINTON, N.C. - Two PETA employees charged with dumping dead animals they collected in eastern North Carolina counties face additional charges of obtaining property by false pretenses, authorities said. The charges allege that the two euthanized three cats from an Ahoskie veterinarian after promising to find the animals new homes, according to the new warrants. Andrew B. Cook, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Adria J. Hinkle, 27, of Norfolk, Va., employees of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, were served with warrants on 22 felony charges of animal cruelty and the three felony charges of obtaining property by false pretense in court Friday. Thirty-one previous animal-cruelty charges were dismissed against the two and replaced with the new charges, authorities said. Cook and Hinkle are still charged with eight misdemeanor counts of illegal disposal of dead animals and one count of trespassing. PETA, which is paying their legal fees, suspended Hinkle for 90 days and did not discipline Cook. "We remain absolutely certain that no cruelty to animals took place, and we are confident that the facts will bear this out," PETA said in a statement. Group votes to honor volunteer caregivers A group convened to address women's issues will honor the state's volunteer caregivers. The Council on the Status of Women voted Friday to spearhead the new Governor's Volunteer Caregiver Recognition Program. It's designed to reward the efforts of Virginians - many of them women - increasingly called to care for elderly parents, in addition to other work and family responsibilities, said council Chairwoman Madge Bush. Each year, the program will induct caregivers from different regions into a hall of fame. The council will take statewide nominations next month, and they are due by Dec. 1. Gov. Mark R. Warner will award this year's winners at a reception Jan. 9. The council likely will partner with officials in the departments of aging and social services to identify potential award winners. Council members haven't decided how many caregivers will be recognized. Man pleads guilty in woman's beating CHARLOTTESVILLE - Howard Gail Edman pleaded guilty last week to malicious wounding in the beating of a 19-year-old woman on railroad tracks. Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Claude Worrell withdrew a charge of attempted rape, saying he wished to spare the victim from testifying about it, particularly since she didn't remember some details of the June 13 attack. The woman suffered a black eye and cuts to her hand and thigh, among other wounds, when Edman and two other men beat and kicked her, Worrell said. The victim spent several days in the hospital. Edman, 28, could receive a prison sentence of five to 20 years when he is sentenced Jan. 11. Two co-defendants are scheduled for trial Dec. 2 in Charlottesville Circuit Court. Memo:
Briefly

Record Number: 0510170167

Teen Dies In Homecoming Parade Accident

2007-12-20T11:20:00.001-08:00

Teen Dies In Homecoming Parade Accident

Paul Day
Reporting

(CBS4/AP) WESTCLIFFE, Colo. The town of Westcliffe is mourning the death of a teen who was injured during a high school homecoming parade Saturday.

Custer County High School canceled its homecoming game and dance after the accident.

County officials say Courtney Curtis, 15, tried to climb aboard a float built on a flatbed trailer and fell under the trailer's back wheels.

"She was trying to get on between the trailer and the tractor portion of the float … and her feet slipped," Sheriff Fred Jones said. "This has bothered me a lot and I've seen a lot in my career, but this has bothered me more than most of them."

She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

"She was a happy girl lots and lots of friends." Principal Barb Jones said. "She was a quiet student, but very well loved."

Custer County High School has canceled classes for Monday.

Grief counselors will be on hand when school resumes.

2 Killed in Brooklyn Parade, 3d Dies in Accident Afterward

2007-12-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

September 7, 1999

2 Killed in Brooklyn Parade, 3d Dies in Accident Afterward

By SOMINI SENGUPTA

Two 11-year-old children were killed and another child was injured yesterday afternoon when a minivan lurched out of control at the annual Caribbean parade in Brooklyn. The accident cast a pall over a joyful festival that has grown into one of the largest gatherings in New York City.

The van, which was covered with feathers and carrying costumes for parade performers, struck the children as they danced in the streets to the bouncing rhythms of Trinidadian soca music, pinning them against a mammoth sound truck just in front.

Hours later, as revelers were dispersing after the parade, an 18-year-old man was struck and killed by a sound truck along the parade route, the police said.

The accident that killed the two children came at the peak of the West Indian American Carnival parade, a festival that offers the city's West Indian immigrants a joyful release from the activities of daily life. The police did not have a crowd estimate last night, but in previous years the parade has drawn two million people, making it the largest parade in New York.

The accident delayed the festivities but did not stop them. Under unexpectedly sunny skies, nurses and cooks, housekeepers and lawyers donned sequined and feathered costumes for the procession along Eastern Parkway. Vendors served jerk chicken, curried goat and the cool juice of sorrel while flags from every Caribbean nation doubled as head scarves and sarongs. Spectators squeezed against one another, most of them unaware of the crash.

The two 11-year-olds, a boy named Dawn Joseph and a girl named Zacehel David, were taken to Kings County Hospital Center, where they were pronounced dead. A third child, Kara Charles, 10, suffered neck and back injuries and was in stable condition last night. Four others in the parade suffered minor injuries.

The police said the crash, which occurred shortly before 2 P.M., appeared to have been an accident. The driver of the van and the driver of the truck, which was carrying a soca band called Caribbean Magic, were tested for alcohol but were not intoxicated, said Inspector Michael Collins, a police spokesman.

''The victims appeared to be dancing between the van and the truck,'' Inspector Collins said. ''It doesn't appear to be alcohol-related or mechanical failure. It just looks like an accident.''

The van, a black Astro, was carrying costumes for dancers and performers up ahead. Just before the accident, the police said, the driver, Ashton P. Gertton, 71, of Brooklyn, had stepped out of the van to help some dancers with their costumes.

When he returned to the driver's seat, he apparently lost control. The driver of the truck ahead, Winston G. Scott, also of Brooklyn, was arrested on a charge of driving with a suspended license, but he was not cited in connection with the accident, the police said.

Dawn Joseph had moved to Brooklyn from Florida in July to live with his mother and grandfather, the grandfather, Augustus Joseph, said last night. The boy was to start junior high school this week, and his mother, Donna, planned to enroll him in karate classes, Mr. Joseph, 54, said from the porch of his house on Midwood Street in East Flatbush.

Instead, Donna Joseph held her only child in her arms as he died, Mr. Joseph said.

''She said she just saw the van take off and she couldn't believe it was going to hit those kids,'' he said. ''But by the time she ran to try to get him out of the way, the van had already hit him. He was just crushed.''

For a little more than two hours, police officers blocked the westbound lanes of Eastern Parkway near the corner of Nostrand Avenue, where the accident had occurred. The parade continued on the two other lanes, and a cadre of police officers tried to keep an increasingly frustrated crowd behind barricades. Those who witnessed the accident described it as a momentary flash of horror, almost soundless in the midst of a noisy and boisterous celebration.

James Charles, 43, of Paterson, N.J., was standing in the shade of a tree near the intersection when, he said, he saw the minivan inexplicably accelerate. ''It just picked up speed all of a sudden and rammed into the truck,'' said Mr. Charles, a maintenance man and a native of Trinidad. ''The people were pinned in between.''

Like dozens of others, he jumped over a barricade in an effort to help, he said. A woman was pumping a little girl's chest. Another was trying to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Paramedics arrived within minutes, he said, and the police blocked off the area.

A jumble of white and pink feathers along with crushed plastic bottles lay on the street yesterday afternoon, marking the spot of the accident. After the police cleared the area and reopened the eastbound lanes of the parkway, a sound truck bearing a Trinidadian band, Krosfyah, sang their version of Bob Marley's ''Redemption Song.''

It was not the first time the Caribbean parade has been marred by fatal accidents. In 1997 a parade spectator was struck by a vehicle and killed, the police said, and in 1994 a man was crushed by the wheels of a float .

The second fatal accident yesterday occurred about 8 P.M., after the parade had ended but before all the sound trucks had been cleared off the parkway, the police said. Kevon Donovan, 18, apparently got his clothing caught in the wheel of a tractor-trailer truck near the corner of Brooklyn Avenue and was dragged under it, said Officer Valerie St. Rose, a police spokeswoman.

Witnesses said that Mr. Donovan, of Clarkson Avenue in East Flatbush, had backed into the street along with several other people when someone in the crowd brought out a large yellow snake.

''A guy came through with a snake and that's what I guess got him shook,'' said Ryan Girard, a friend of Mr. Donovan's who was mourning him outside Kings County Hospital, where he died at 9:25 P.M. ''Everybody started pushing. I tried to pull him out from under the truck, but I couldn't do nothing. He looked at me and called out my name.''

Mr. Donovan was from the Caribbean island commonwealth St. Lucia and was going into 12th grade at Frederick Douglass High School, Mr. Girard said.

The driver of the truck, Hugh Bennett, 50, of Mount Vernon, N.Y., was not charged in connection with the accident, although he was arrested on a warrant for failure to pay child support, the police said.

For the last several years, the parade has become the major event for Labor Day in the city, eclipsing the procession organized by union leaders, who this year held their parade on the Wednesday before Labor Day.

Even though the parade is an expression of Caribbean culture rather than labor solidarity, the celebration is in many ways a fitting Labor Day procession, led by thousands of men and women who make the city work. But for this Labor Day parade, workaday clothes often take a holiday.

Yesterday, a nurse who works the night shift at Kings County Hospital strutted around in a costume with six serpents dancing above his head.

A security guard who commutes for two hours every day called herself Tiger Tiger, outfitted in a leopard-spot bodysuit. A beautician from Far Rockaway, Queens, became a butterfly with gossamer wings of blue and silver.

Indeed, for those who do it year after year, playing mas, as the masquerade of Carnival is called, is not just a reminder of the rituals of home, but a brief escape from the trouble and toil of everyday existence.

''Because of the stressful life we have, everybody looks forward to this,'' said Ricardo Lorick, the nurse, who was parading yesterday with a group called Hawks International. ''Instead of taking my frustration out on my family and my patients, I save it up and take it out here.''

Several of his colleagues from Kings County marched in hospital T-shirts. ''That's boring,'' Mr. Lorick said flatly. Instead, he posed for pictures early yesterday afternoon in an outfit he designed and built at home -- an imaginary creature with gold wings and six snake heads. He called himself Beast Master. ''I like being in the spotlight.''

He wasn't alone. Michael Lewis, the king of Hawks International, showed a visitor his turquoise blue costume, which weighed 60 pounds.

He said he and his wife had spent nearly $10,000 on their costumes this year and had spent countless evenings cutting and sewing in the backyard of their house in Richmond Hill, all for a hot afternoon of dancing and extravagant display.

Today, he will return to work in a suit and tie, as a chief financial officer of a legal services agency. ''For 35 to 55 hours a week, you're in an office, and you need an outlet,'' said Mr. Lewis, 48. ''Although this is very difficult work -- a lot of time goes into it -- it's very relaxing to me. A lot of people will tell you this is therapy for me, instead of paying a psychiatrist.''

Bill would change laws for parades GUESS WHAT?? IT DID NOT PASS

2007-12-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

Bill would change laws for parades

By Chris Dornin
Golden Dome News
CONCORD -- A Portsmouth lawmaker has filed a bill to ban flatbed 
trailers with outrigger wheels from parades after the recent death of 
a Greenland Cub Scout. Nine-year-old Thomas Fogarty was riding on a 
Portsmouth Holiday Parade float with his Scout pack around 6:15 p.m. 
Dec. 2 on Islington Street when he somehow fell in front of a double-
axle wheel. Authorities don't know what caused the tragedy, but they 
have ruled it an accident.

Representative Paul McEachern, D-Portsmouth, is prime sponsor of HB 
296, a one-line bill that says, "No person may use any type of 
flatbed trailer with outrigger wheels in a parade." McEachern said 
the wheels on Fogarty's float stuck out from the side of the trailer.

"The police said the boy was sitting forward of the outrigger wheels 
and either fell in front of them or got his leg caught in the wheel 
and was pulled under," the Portsmouth rep said. "Many trailers have 
the wheels underneath. Those wouldn't be outlawed."

Senator Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, has filed a companion bill that 
might merge with McEachern's. She hasn't seen the final draft, but 
her legislation would require a parade permit for any float that 
carries minors. The float would either have a 3-foot railing to keep 
kids from falling off, or the adults would tether or seat belt the 
kids onto the platform. If these options were impractical, the 
sponsors of the float could set up radio communication between the 
adult on the flatbed and the driver so the truck could stop at the 
first sign of danger.

"They've got to be able to hit the brakes right now," Hassan said. 
"The intent isn't to dictate what to do in every case, but to get 
them thinking about the situation they're placing kids in. Hopefully, 
the adult would see a dangerous problem in time to intervene."

Rep. Jim Splaine, D-Portsmouth, is a co-sponsor on both bills, and 
other Seacoast lawmakers may be signing on.

McEachern said a second serious accident in the same holiday parade 
could have become a fatality. A man walking beside a flatbed float 
was using a rope to tow the bell of a restored antique fire pump. The 
heavy trailer wheels ran over his toes.

"He's had all kinds of complications," MacEachern said "He was either 
walking too slow, or the parade started back up when he wasn't 
expecting. People have to realize how dangerous these trailers are, 
despite their slow speed. They're just not designed for parades, 
which are stop and go by definition."

Walter Lebor, the owner of Great Northern Excavating in Exeter, said 
he's never seen the trailer addressed in McEachern's bill. He assumed 
it applies to specialty trailers for hauling extra-heavy equipment.

"The standard low-bed around town doesn't have them," Lebor said. 
"Some have metal brackets to give it an extra foot of width, but the 
wheels are way inside the outrigger. I can't think of any trailer it 
would apply to."

McEachern said he has in mind wheels that jut outside the outline of 
the trailer as viewed from above.

Portsmouth Police Lt. Rodney McQuate headed the accident 
investigation and confirmed that no charges would be filed.

The boy's parents could not be reached by phone, but they have set up 
a memorial fund for their late son to support school enrichment 
programs. Donors may send gifts to the Thomas Edward Fogarty Memorial 
Fund, c/o Greenland Central School, 70 Post Road, Greenland, NH 03840.

Brian and Deborah Fogarty issued a statement a few days after their 
loss, thanking the community for its overwhelming support and 
praising the rescue workers.

"We ask that you please keep everyone involved in this tragic 
accident in your thoughts and prayers," the parents said, describing 
Thomas as a beautiful, bright, energetic, and life-loving boy.

"Although this is a tragic and sad time in our lives, we believe that 
something positive will come out of this," they added. "Last, we ask 
that you give your children an extra hug tonight and value the time 
that you have together.

5-year-old hit by vehicle at parade

2007-12-20T11:17:00.000-08:00