Tragic Memorial Day Parade Incident: Ohio Teen Dies After Fall from Float
Tragic Memorial Day parade accident claims the life of 13-year-old Matthew Schultz in Green, Ohio, prompting an outpouring of community support for his family.
A 13-year-old boy from Ohio lost his life on Memorial Day after falling off a parade float in the city of Green. Authorities confirmed that Matthew Schultz, a seventh-grade student, was riding at the front of a trailer float being pulled by a Ford F-150 when he fell and was struck by the trailer’s tires. The Summit County Sheriff's Office reported the incident occurred at approximately 11:23 a.m. while the vehicle was moving at a speed of 5 miles per hour or less.
At the time of the accident, seven children—aged between 7 and 13—and two adults were aboard the trailer participating in the parade. Witnesses included members of Green Fire and EMS, who were positioned directly behind the float. According to officials, emergency responders saw Matthew fall and rushed to assist, rendering aid within moments.
Despite being quickly transported to a nearby hospital, Matthew succumbed to his injuries. His death has left the local community grief-stricken, prompting an outpouring of support for his family. A GoFundMe campaign organized for the Schultz family described Matthew as “a fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man” and emphasized the deep bond shared with his loved ones. The fundraiser seeks to help cover funeral expenses and provide the family financial relief as they cope with their loss.
North Canton City Schools, where Matthew attended, responded by making counseling services available to students. In a statement, the district expressed condolences to Matthew’s friends, teachers, classmates, and especially his family, remarking, “The loss of a young life is deeply devastating, and our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew's family during this unimaginable time. He was a kind and caring student.”
Local law enforcement is continuing to investigate the incident, and the parade’s safety protocols are expected to come under review in the aftermath. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussion about float safety during public celebrations, highlighting the importance of strict guidelines to prevent similar accidents in the future.
