Tragedy Strikes During City of Green Memorial Day Parade
Green, Ohio — May 26, 2025 — What was meant to be a day of solemn remembrance and community togetherness took a devastating turn during the City of Green’s annual Memorial Day Parade. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a 13-year-old boy lost his life in a tragic accident involving a parade float.
According to officials, the incident occurred at approximately 11:23 a.m. when the boy, a participant in the parade, fell from a trailer being used as part of a float. In a horrifying sequence of events, he was then struck by the trailer’s dual rear tires.
Emergency responders from Green Fire EMS, who were already stationed nearby to assist during the parade, immediately rushed to the scene. The boy was transported by emergency personnel to Akron City Hospital, and later transferred to Akron Children’s Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced deceased due to the severity of his injuries.
The identity of the child has not been publicly released, pending notification of extended family. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, which remains ongoing at this time. Officials have stated that no further details are available.
The City of Green, like many communities across the nation, was holding its Memorial Day Parade to honor fallen military service members. This heartbreaking incident has left the entire community stunned and grieving.
City officials issued a brief statement following the accident:
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a young life during what should have been a peaceful and reflective event. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young man, and we are working with law enforcement to understand how this occurred. We ask the community to join us in lifting this family up in your prayers.”
Neighbors and parade-goers were visibly shaken by the event. Many left the parade route early, and several memorials have since begun to appear near the site of the incident, with flowers, candles, and notes expressing sorrow and support.
The accident has reignited calls for stricter safety measures regarding parade floats, particularly when involving children or unsecured trailers. Safety advocates are urging city organizers and float sponsors to review and reinforce guidelines before future public processions.
As the investigation continues, the City of Green is mourning one of its youngest residents. Counselors and grief support services are expected to be made available to local schools and youth organizations in the coming days.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant information to contact them directly as they work to piece together exactly what happened and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
This Memorial Day, the community not only remembers the heroes lost in service to the country but now also mourns the untimely death of a young life lost far too soon.
