Child Fatally Struck by Tractor While Attempting to Jump on Haunted Hayride

CHATTANOOGA, TN - A child died after being run over by a tractor while playing near a haunted hayride in Tennessee, authorities said.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, along with Hamilton County EMS and the Highway 58 Fire Department, responded to the incident Friday night at the Haunted Hilltop Halloween event near Highway 58. Officials said the juvenile was struck by the tractor around 10:45 p.m.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies learned that the child had been part of a group of juveniles playing near the hayride route. One of the juveniles attempted to jump onto the trailer, but possibly slipped and fell under the wheels, police said.

The juvenile, who has not been named, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating how the accident occurred.

“We extend our thoughts and sympathy to the family of the deceased juvenile, as well as those who witnessed the tragic event,” the sheriff’s office stated in a statement.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released.