Child dies after being hit by tractor at ‘Haunted Hayride’ Halloween event: ‘Tragic accident’

Authorities said the child was trying to “scare drivers” when he “slipped” and fell near the vehicle on Friday, Oct. 11

A child has died after being accidentally hit by a tractor at a Halloween event in Tennessee.

On Friday, October 11, at approximately 10:45 p.m. local time, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to calls that a juvenile had been “hit by a tractor” in the 8200 block of Highway 58, according to a news release. which was posted on the HCSO Facebook page.

Police said of the tragedy they said occurred at The Haunted Hilltop event: “Upon arrival, HCSO deputies spoke with a supervisor for a group of youths who had been playing near a hayride tractor route and behind some Bushes tried to scare some.” Hay rider.

“Officers were advised that one of the juveniles had attempted to jump onto the trailer, may have slipped and fallen under the wheels, and was unresponsive,” the release continued.

“Unfortunately, the juvenile succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene,” the sheriff’s office confirmed.

The child has not been identified and an investigation is ongoing in conjunction with the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

“The HCSO family extends our thoughts and condolences to the family of the deceased youth as well as the other witnesses to the tragic event. We ask the community to also keep this family in their prayers during this difficult time,” the press release said.

“As this incident involves juveniles, no further information is available,” it concluded.

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The Haunted Hilltop paid tribute to the child in a Facebook post and confirmed that the venue would not be open on Saturday, October 12, following the “tragic accident.”

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family [affected] Please keep us all in your prayers!” the post continues.

The Tennessee Department of Health’s office did not immediately respond when PEOPLE reached out to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office for further information.

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