Teen Dies After Falling from Memorial Day Parade Float

A Memorial Day celebration in Ohio turned tragic after 13-year-old Matthew Schultz fell from a float during a parade in the city of Green, devastating onlookers and prompting an outpouring of support for his grieving family.

The heartbreaking incident unfolded just before 11:30 a.m. on Monday, as a trailer float—pulled by a Ford F-150 and moving at a slow pace—rolled through the streets lined with families. According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew fell from the front of the float and was accidentally struck by the trailer’s tires. Emergency responders from Green Fire and EMS, who were directly behind the float, witnessed the fall and rushed to help, but their efforts weren’t enough. Matthew was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

The float carried seven children, ages 7 to 13, and two adults. Authorities have not released further details on how the fall occurred.

Matthew’s family, friends, and school community are now left grappling with the loss of a boy described as joyful, caring, and full of life. A GoFundMe page set up to support the Schultz family paints a picture of a kid who was “Star Wars-obsessed” and “everyone’s best friend.” Donations are being collected to help cover funeral expenses and provide the family with time off to grieve.

“He was the best son and big brother,” the tribute reads. “The love we had for him is immeasurable.”

At a press conference on Tuesday, family friend and spokesperson Danielle Paciorek held a framed photo of Matthew as she read a statement on behalf of his loved ones. She was surrounded by a supportive circle of friends and community members, all struggling to make sense of the loss.

Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin and Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree also spoke at the event, expressing their sympathies and acknowledging the traumatic impact on those who witnessed the accident.

North Canton City Schools, where Matthew was a student, is offering grief counseling to students. In a statement, the school district called Matthew “a kind and caring student,” adding, “The loss of a young life is deeply devastating… our hearts are with Matthew’s family, friends, and classmates during this unimaginable time.”

The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit Ohio community, turning a day meant to honor fallen heroes into a somber reminder of how fragile life can be.