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A 13-year-old boy, Matthew Schultz from North Canton, Ohio, died after falling from a Memorial Day parade float in Green, Ohio, on Monday (May 26). The accident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when Schultz fell from a trailer pulled by a pickup truck and was struck by the trailer's wheels. Despite immediate medical attention from the Green Fire Department, Schultz succumbed to his injuries at Akron Children's Hospital.
The parade, which took place in Summit County, was immediately halted following the incident. According to Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree, the trailer was traveling at less than 5 mph and carried several children. Schultz was riding on the Air Ninja Gym trailer with six other children, ages seven to 13, while two adults walked alongside.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community. Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin expressed condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the family at this time of terrible loss." The city of Green and North Canton City Schools are providing counseling services to support those impacted.
"Matthew was a kind and caring student," the North Canton City Schools District said in a statement.
Family friend Danielle Paciorek described Schultz as a "bright light, full of curiosity, laughter, and love" to WOIO. The Green Fire Union has donated $3,000 from its Memorial Day pancake breakfast proceeds to support the Schultz family. The city plans to review parade policies in the future, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.