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 reported the death of Matthew Schultz on Tuesday. They stated that the seventh-grade student fell from the front of a trailer float being towed by a Ford F-150 and was hit by the trailer’s wheels at approximately 11:23 a.m. on Monday while the float was traveling at a speed of 5 mph or less.
There were a total of seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 13, and two adults riding the trailer during the parade.
A GoFundMe page created for the Schultz family, entitled “Support the Schultz Family After Tragic Loss,” describes Matthew as a “fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man. He was the best son and brother and everyone’s best friend. The love we had for him is beyond measure.”
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.
“Losing a young life is incredibly heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s loved ones, including his family, friends, classmates, and teachers, during this unthinkable time,” expressed North Canton City Schools in a statement to WKYC. “He was a kind-hearted and compassionate student. We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and all who are affected by this tragedy.”
