A 13-year-old Ohio boy died Monday after falling off a Memorial Day parade float in Green, Ohio.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Matthew Schultz’s death on Tuesday, saying the seventh-grader fell from the front of a trailer float being hauled by a Ford F-150 and was struck by the trailer’s tires around 11:23 a.m. Monday while the float was moving at 5 mph or slower.
There were a total of seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 13, and two adults riding the trailer during the parade.
“Matthew was a fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man,” a GoFundMe page for the Schultz family titled, “Support the Schultz Family After Tragic Loss,” reads. “He was the best son and big brother. He was everyone’s best friend. The love we had for him is immeasurable.”
Family friend and spokesperson Danielle Paciorek holds a photo of 13-year-old Matthew Schultz. (© Mike Cardew/USA Today Network)
North Canton City Schools is offering counseling services to students impacted by the tragedy, according to WKYC.
“The loss of a young life is deeply devastating, and our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this unimaginable time,” North Canton City Schools said in a statement to WKYC. “He was a kind and caring student. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
