13-Year-Old Boy Identified After Fatal Fall from Memorial Day Parade Trailer
The Summit County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Matthew Schultz
"His spirit and the love he gave so freely will live on in everyone he touched," according to the teen's obituaryThe 13-year-old Ohio boy killed in a Memorial Day parade accident was remembered as a fun and loving son and brother who loved Star Wars, fruit snacks and video games.
The Summit County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Matthew Schultz of North Canton on Tuesday, May 27,
According to authorities, Matthew was riding on a trailer sponsored by Air Ninja Gym as part of the City of Green's Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26. A Ford F-150 pickup truck was pulling the trailer, described as a dual-axle car hauler.
'The truck and trailer were approximately 200 feet north of the roundabout at Massillon Road and Steese Road when Matthew fell from the front of the trailer and was subsequently struck by the trailer's tires,' according to the sheriff's office.
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Emergency responders rendered aid to Matthew and transported him to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the sheriff's office added.
Authorities said there were about seven children between the ages of 7 and 13 riding in the trailer with an adult present on either side. They added that the trailer and truck were traveling below 5 mph.
'I want to offer my personal condolences to the family and the entire Summit County Sheriff's Office as well. It's a horrible time for all of you. We're very sorry,' Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree said at a press conference on Tuesday.
The sheriff's office said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Fatheree also asked the public to respect the family's need for privacy at the moment.
According to Matthew's obituary, the teen was born in Canton and attended North Canton Middle School.
'Matthew brought a lifetime's worth of joy to those who knew him. He was a bright light full of curiosity, laughter, and love,' his obituary read. 'He was always quick with a smile and a kind word. To his friends he was loyal, funny, and kind. The type of friend you made for life.'
The tribute also noted that Matthew was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent numerous surgical procedures.
'He never stopped fighting to get stronger,' according to the obituary. 'Through all of this he kept his spirits up and always made others feel better.'
Matthew is survived by his parents, his sister, his grandparents and other relatives. A funeral service is scheduled on Tuesday, June 3.
'Matthew's absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but his spirit and the love he gave so freely will live on in everyone he touched,' the obituary stated.
A GoFundMe was created on behalf of Matthew's family to pay for their loved one's funeral expenses.
'Matthew was a fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man. He was the best son and big brother. He was everyone's best friend. The love we had for him is immeasurable,' the fundraiser description read.
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