Boy Killed By Fourth Of July Parade Float

A young boy was killed on the Fourth of July when he was run over and killed during a parade. The eight-year-old was riding on a martial arts group’s float when he either got down or fell from the vehicle at the end of the parade.

Part of the float, which consisted of a truck and flatbed trailer, struck the boy and knocked him to the ground, according to Police Officer James Hamm.

The boy’s father, who was driving the truck, didn’t realize what was happening. Because of this, he ran over the boy. Several people saw the accident, including some children who were friends with the boy.

The eight-year-old’s father immediately rushed out of the truck. He and a nurse performed CPR on the boy until first responders arrived on the scene.

Hamm added that the boy was taken to an area hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. Police have not yet released his name or his father’s name. The father will likely not face charges in the incident. Hamm explained, It’s just a freak, unfortunate accident.” In a tweet on Thursday, Edmond police stated:

“Our thoughts today for the family of a 7 yr old boy killed in a float accident at the end of the LibertyFest parade. Heartbreaking.”

Police officers have not yet interviewed the boy’s father and will wait to do so until tomorrow. Police spokeswoman Jenny Monroe explained, “We just haven’t had a chance to speak with him and we’re not going to do that today.”

The unfortunate accident happened in Edmond, Oklahoma, just north of Oklahoma City. The parade was part of LibertyFest in Edmond, which typically draws thousands of spectators. Bands, floats, antique cars, and marching groups typically participate.

The LibertyFest website says that the festival is home to Oklahoma’s largest hometown parade, which typically sees more than 100 entries.

[Image via ShutterStock]