Teen Dies After Being Run Over by Trolley at Haunted Hayride
Alexander Mick, 13. via GoFundMe
Officials are investigating a fatal incident involving a 13-year-old boy who died after being run over by a trolley wagon at a haunted hayride.
Authorities say it occurred around 7:37 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the annual Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride, at 4108 200th Street, in St. Augusta.
Alexander Mick, 13, of Rice, was struck by a trolley wagon being pulled by a tractor during the event.
Witnesses, including an off-duty police officer and an off-duty medic, began lifesaving measures immediately after the incident. A Stearns County deputy and several Explorers who were at the event also responded, along with the St. Augusta Fire Department and Mayo Ambulance. Despite extensive efforts to save Mick, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident and more information may be released in the coming days.
"We are cooperating fully with the authorities and are grateful for their support," a Harvest of Horror statement on its website said. "We are deeply shaken by this event and are asking for thoughts, prayers, and support for the family and friends of the individual involved and all those affected by this tragedy."
Organizers said they would cancel the remaining nights of the event "out of respect for the families involved."
UPDATE | Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024
According to an update from the Stearns County Sheriff, investigation so far has determined that Mick was a volunteer at the event and was part of a group tasked with frightening riders being pulled through the cornfield area. No one observed how the incident occurred, authorities say, and initial investigation points to nothing of a criminal nature, with his death believed to be accidental.
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