Matthew Schultz, a 13-year-old from Ohio, tragically lost his life in a Memorial Day parade accident in Green, Ohio. The incident occurred when the seventh-grader fell from the front of a trailer float being pulled by a Ford F-150 and was struck by the trailer’s tires at a speed of approximately 5 mph. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his death on Tuesday, emphasizing that the float was moving at a slow pace. The tragedy occurred amidst a group of seven children and two adults on the float. The community is now rallying around his grieving family, with a GoFundMe page established to support funeral expenses and provide relief from financial burdens. Additionally, local authorities and school districts have expressed their condolences and are offering counseling to those affected by the incident.
The GoFundMe page, titled “Support the Schultz Family After Tragic Loss,” describes Matthew as a ‘fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man.’ It highlights his qualities as a son, brother, and friend, emphasizing the profound impact of his loss on those around him. The page’s primary goal is to ease the family’s burden regarding funeral expenses and other bills, allowing them to take time off work to focus on healing. The incident has also sparked discussions about safety measures during parades and other public events involving children, with calls for increased oversight and stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Green Fire and EMS personnel were present at the scene when the incident occurred. They immediately responded to Matthew’s fall, and he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The tragedy has left the community in shock, prompting local schools to offer counseling services to students affected by the incident. North Canton City Schools, in particular, issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences to Matthew’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers. They recognized Matthew’s kindness and caring nature, underscoring the impact he had on his peers and the broader community.
As the community mourns the loss of Matthew Schultz, there is a collective effort to support his family and honor his memory. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety in public events and the need for vigilance to protect the well-being of children. The incident has also highlighted the role of community support and the significance of charitable initiatives in providing relief during times of grief and financial strain.