Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Boy, 13, killed after being run over by wagon at haunted hayride

Horror incident unfolded on Saturday evening at the annual Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride in St Augusta

Madeline Sherratt
Tuesday 15 October 2024 11:38 BST
Comments
Pictured: Alexander Mick, 13, was pronounced dead at the scene in St Augusta
Pictured: Alexander Mick, 13, was pronounced dead at the scene in St Augusta (Sourced)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 13-year-old boy was killed in a freak accident at a haunted hayride in Minnesota, when he was run over by a trolley wagon being pulled by a tractor.

The horror incident unfolded on Saturday evening at the annual Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride in St Augusta, according to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency services were called to a report of an accident at around 7.30pm after the teen – identified as Alexander Mick, from Rice – was run over by a trolley wagon being pulled by a tractor.

Staff and bystanders, including an off-duty police officer and an off-duty medic, immediately began to administer medical aid to the boy.

Despite efforts to save him, Alexander – who was also known as Xander – was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation is now underway into his death.

The organizers of the Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride said they are cooperating fully with the authorities.

“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,” a statement on its website read.

Scene of the tragedy which unfolded on Saturday in St Augusta
Scene of the tragedy which unfolded on Saturday in St Augusta (KSTP)

“Out of respect to the family involved, the organizers have made the decision to cancel the remaining nights of the 2024 Harvest of Horror.”

The teen’s mom has paid tribute to her son in a Facebook post.

“Hold your babies tight. I would do anything to hold my baby again. Xander made his way to heaven last night and I will forever miss him,” she wrote.

“I am beyond grateful for our friends and family and all their love and support they’ve given. I pray for rest and acceptance and I pray for all those who loved Xander. He was an angel on earth and I’m so happy he gets to rest with Jesus now. Give your loved ones a hug and don’t let go so soon.”

An online obituary described the eighth grader as “kind, very polite, unique, creative, investigative, and [someone who] saw the good in everyone” and who had a “great sense of humor and an infectious smile.”

He enjoyed band and choir practice at school as well as robotics and soccer, the obituary read.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in