A somber tragedy cast a shadow over the Memorial Day celebrations in Green, Ohio, on May 26, 2025, when a 13-year-old boy lost his life in a devastating accident during the city’s annual parade. The young boy, a student at North Canton City Schools, fell from a trailer being towed by a pickup truck and was critically injured, according to city officials. Despite the swift response of emergency personnel, the boy succumbed to his injuries, leaving a community in mourning and raising questions about safety measures at public events.

The incident occurred near the end of the parade route, which began at 10 a.m. at Green High School, winding through Boettler Road, Massillon Road, Steese Road, and Bulldog Boulevard. The boy was riding on the front of a parade trailer when he fell, and tragically, the trailer ran over him, causing severe injuries. Green Fire Department personnel, who were stationed along the parade route, responded immediately, providing critical care before rushing him to Akron Children’s Hospital. Despite their efforts, the hospital pronounced the boy deceased shortly after arrival. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Summit Metro Crash Team, has launched an investigation to determine the precise circumstances of the accident, including how the boy fell and whether safety protocols were adequately followed.

Valerie Wolford, the City of Green’s Communications Manager, confirmed the heartbreaking details, noting that the boy was a vibrant member of the North Canton City Schools community. His identity has not been released out of respect for the family’s privacy during this time of grief. The news sent shockwaves through Green, a tight-knit community where the Memorial Day parade is a cherished tradition, complete with a pancake breakfast at Fire Station #1, a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, and a car show. This year’s festivities, however, were abruptly halted, and the scheduled noon ceremony at Veterans Park was delayed to 12:30 p.m. as the community grappled with the tragedy.

Local residents and parade attendees expressed profound sadness and disbelief. The annual event, designed to honor fallen veterans and celebrate community spirit, draws families and children who line the streets to watch floats, marching bands, and local organizations pass by. The loss of a young life in such a public setting has prompted an outpouring of support for the boy’s family, with community members taking to social media to share condolences and call for increased safety measures at future events. Schools in the North Canton district have also offered counseling services to students and staff affected by the loss, recognizing the emotional toll on classmates and teachers who knew the boy.

This tragedy underscores the inherent risks of parade floats and trailers, which are common features of community events but can pose significant dangers if not properly managed. Authorities have not yet released details about the specific trailer involved or whether it met safety standards, but the ongoing investigation will likely examine factors such as the trailer’s design, the speed of the vehicle, and the supervision of participants. The incident has already sparked discussions among city officials and residents about reviewing safety protocols for parades to prevent future accidents.

As Green mourns, the focus remains on supporting the boy’s family and honoring his memory. The community’s response reflects its resilience, with plans already underway to pay tribute to the young student during upcoming school and civic events. For now, the city holds its breath, awaiting answers from the investigation while grappling with the profound loss of a child whose life ended far too soon on a day meant for remembrance and unity.