4-Year-Old Boy Dies After Slipping Under Homecoming Parade Float
WYOMING (WWJ/AP) - A school official was near the front of a homecoming parade in western Michigan when he heard about a tragic accident and rushed to the rear.
A 4-year-old boy, Jordan Lamrouex, was run over by a float and killed Friday during the Wyoming High School parade. Thousands of people had lined the route in the city, which is south of Grand Rapids.
"As soon as I was heading back and saw the students crying, I knew it was more than a student falling and bumping their head," Wyoming school Superintendent Thomas Reeder told The Grand Rapids Press. "The scene was just incredibly emotional and just crushing to see."
Jordan was run over by a trailer full of hay that was attached to a tractor. Authorities were trying to determine if he fell or somehow was pulled under after being removed from the trailer by his parents. Two siblings were also at the parade.
The parade, the first since Wyoming Park and Wyoming Rogers merged, preceded a football game between Wyoming and Grand Rapids Creston. The crowd was asked to observe a moment of silence.
Some students who didn't know what had happened had to walk past the scene to get to the game. Reeder said social workers will be at all Wyoming schools Monday for students who would like to talk about what happened.
Jimmie Beukema, who was watching the parade from his yard, said the tragedy changed the mood of the event, adding that there was "a lot of crying and screaming."
"The mother was right there for it all. It was bad," he said. "Everyone was having a ball and it just stopped."
Helene Castle said she gathered her children and went home. She said the family needs prayers.
"Maybe this can be a learning experience for people to be more careful during these things," Castle said.
The accident is under investigation.
TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
