A quiet Sunday in Plain Township turned tragic when a 5-year-old child was found with severe injuries in the backyard of a home and later died at a Canton hospital, authorities said. Deputies reported that the child was rushed to a local hospital and pronounced dead, while the child's father was treated for injuries he suffered while trying to reach the child. Investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened.
Deputies were called to the 2400 block of Bur Oak Street NE at about 3:40 p.m., according to Cleveland.com. The news release cited by the outlet states the father had been operating a compact earth-moving machine in the backyard and was backing the equipment when he saw his child on the ground. He was injured when he jumped from the machine and was treated at Mercy Hospital. The child was taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton and later pronounced dead, according to the release.
Investigation under way
The Stark County Sheriff's Office and the Stark County Coroner's Office are investigating the death. The coroner's website notes the office is responsible for determining the cause and manner of deaths that fall under its jurisdiction and can order autopsy and toxicology testing when appropriate, according to the Stark County Coroner's Office. Officials have not released the child's name.
Backyard equipment risks
Accidents involving compact excavators and other earth-moving equipment can be deadly for young children, who are often injured as bystanders or as passengers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and child-safety researchers report that bystander run-overs and machinery entanglements are common causes of severe injuries to small children. They recommend keeping children away from operating equipment and setting a clear safety zone. For prevention resources, see guidance from NIOSH.
The Stark County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information or cellphone video to contact investigators, and notes that updates are typically posted on the agency's media-releases page. For contact details and future updates, see the Stark County Sheriff's Office. Out of respect for the family, officials have not publicly identified the child.
