Tragic Loss: Ohio Teen Dies in Memorial Day Parade Float Accident

In a heartbreaking incident in Green, Ohio, 13-year-old Matthew Schultz lost his life during a Memorial Day parade on Monday. The seventh-grader fell from a trailer float moving at a slow pace, no faster than 5 mph, and was tragically struck by the trailer’s tires. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office reported that Matthew was among seven children, aged 7 to 13, and two adults riding the float, which was being pulled by a Ford F-150.

Green Fire and EMS, positioned behind the float, responded immediately, rushing Matthew to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The community is reeling from the loss of a boy described as a fun-loving, Star Wars-obsessed young man who was a devoted son, brother, and friend. A GoFundMe page, titled Support the Schultz Family After Tragic Loss, highlights Matthew’s infectious joy and the immense love his family and friends had for him, aiming to ease the family’s financial burdens during this time of grief.

North Canton City Schools, where Matthew was a student, expressed deep sorrow, calling him a kind and caring individual. The district is providing counseling services to help students cope with this devastating loss. As Green mourns, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even in moments meant for celebration.