Summit County Teen Dies After Falling from Float During Green Memorial Day Parade

GREEN, OH — A 13-year-old boy has died after falling from a parade trailer during the Green Memorial Day parade on Monday in Summit County, according to officials from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Green. The incident occurred as the child, identified by a GoFundMe campaign as Matthew Schultz, was riding on a trailer pulled by a pickup truck. He fell from the front of the trailer and sustained critical injuries.

Emergency responders from Green Fire, who were already present at the event, provided immediate care and transported the boy to Akron Children’s Hospital. Despite their efforts, the juvenile was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Matthew attended North Canton City Schools. In a statement released by the Summit County Sheriff's Office, the severity of the incident was confirmed and it was noted that the case remains under investigation with assistance from the Summit Metro Crash Team. No further details have been released at this time.

Angela Andes, a family friend, launched a GoFundMe page titled “Support the Schultz Family After Tragic Loss,” which has raised more than $69,000 of its $80,000 goal as of Tuesday. In her message, Andes described Matthew as “a fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man… everyone’s best friend.”

The news prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from the community. “This is gut wrenching to read. I feel so bad for everyone involved,” commented Lauren Cook on social media. “God bless this family,” added Mychal Uplinger. “Send prayers up high. I can’t imagine losing a kid.”

Many community members also expressed concern about parade safety protocols. “There were too many kids standing on the trailers,” noted Charles Boylen, who attended a nearby Memorial Day parade in New Franklin. “In the past they had most of the kids sitting on hay or straw bales.”

The tragedy has sparked calls for reflection and support. “Prayers to the Schultz family and North Canton schools as they navigate this most difficult time,” Boylen said.

Angela Andes concluded her appeal with a plea for ongoing support. “Please keep this family in your prayers,” she wrote.

--------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.