A 13-year-old boy who fell off a Memorial Day parade trailer in Green, Ohio, and suffered critical injuries was pronounced dead at a local hospital, city officials said. The boy was was identified as Matthew Schultz by officials at a news conference on Tuesday. He a student at North Canton City Schools. Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree said the incident happened at 11:23 a.m. on Monday, as Schultz was riding on the Air Ninja Gym trailer as part of the parade. The trailer was attached to a dual-axle car hauler being pulled by a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, and was driving at or below 5 miles an hour at the time, the sheriff said. There were seven children, including Schultz, ranging in age from 7 to 13 years old, riding on the trailer, while two adults walked alongside it. As the trailer was nearing the end of the parade route, Schultz fell off the front part of the trailer and was struck by the dual tires and run over, the sheriff said. Fire and EMS were behind the trailer, witnessed the accident and were able to render immediate aid, the sheriff said. The boy was transported to Akron Children's Hospital, where he died of his injuries. A family friend, Danielle Paciorek, spoke at the news conference on behalf of the Schultz family. "Matthew was just 13 years old, but in that short time he brought a lifetime worth of joy to those who knew him. He was a bright light full of curiosity, laughter and love," she said. Paciorek said he had a passion for Star Wars and was quick with a smile and kind word. To his friends, he was loyal and funny — the kind of friend who you made for life, Paciorek said. "Matthew's absence leaves a hole that can not be filled," she said. He had one sibling, the sheriff said, and some family members were at the parade when the accident happened. The incident is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office and other agencies. Green is about halfway between Canton and Akron in central Ohio. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Marie Antoinette's rare diamond captures attention as it travels the globe Why RFK Jr. is removing COVID-19 recommendations for pregnant women, children
