By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A tragic accident claimed the life of an 11-year old Nephi resident onFriday, July 14.
The 11 year old girl, identified as Grace Eyre, daughter of Jessica and Jon Eyre, Nephi, was sitting in the back of the pickup truck. She had been distributing candy to parade watchers.
The accident occurred during the Ute Stampede Western Heritage parade, said Michael Morgan, Nephi City Police Chief.
The parade commenced at 5 p.m. at the city park located at 600 North Main Street and the accident occurred one half hour later when the entry involved was partially through the route.
“At 240 South Main Street, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the tragic accident occurred,” said Morgan.
The pickup truck involved was pulling a flatbed trailer which was loaded with a demolition derby vehicle being used to advertise the county derby event to take place during the county fair in August.
Morgan said that the vehicle was traveling at a very slow rate of speed southbound on Main Street.
“As the truck and trailer continued moving, the victim attempted to exit from the back of the pickup truck,” Morgan said. “The victim slipped and fell to the ground.”
The driver was not aware of the situation and continued moving at a very slow rate of speed. The trailer struck the child.
Police officers were located nearby because of the parade and were able to respond in seconds.
“Officers and numerous citizens immediately came to the aid of the victim,” said Morgan.
Witnesses reported that several of the parade watchers on the sidelines jumped to the aid of Eyre and worked together to lift the trailer in order to rescue her.
The girl was immediately transported by ambulance to Central Valley Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries.
“Nephi City and Juab County offers the family and all those involved in this tragic accident our deepest sympathy and prayers,” said Morgan.
The parade was stopped while the ambulance was loaded and was rerouted for the remainder of the event.
Later. Juab County Sheriff’s Office stated that a parade scheduled for Saturday would continue but participants would be prohibited from passing out items like candy or toys.
“Due to the tragic incident that occurred during yesterday’s parade, it has been decided that objects such as candy, frisbees etc, will not be distributed during the parade,” said the bulletin released by the Sheriff’s Office.
“Parade officials thank everyone for their support and patience.”
Officials are going to try and figure out a way to distribute items in a manner that is safe for attendees and parade participants before another parade takes place, said the bulletin.
On the entry for the parade it reads: “No candy may be thrown, it must be handed out away from your vehicle.”
Witnesses said that Eyre was complying with that rule and was replenishing her candy supply from the back of the truck.
The Ute Stampede ended on Saturday, and with it the summer’s planned parades, but the annual Christmas Light parade is still to take place at the end of November.
The community has been rallying around the Eyre family. Community residents set up “Give For Grace” buckets at the Ute Stampede Rodeo, and walked throughout Saturday’s parade, and asked that all give what they could to help the Eyre family.
There is a #GiveforGrace gofundme fundraiser on Facebook.
There is also a WaspFit page where Grace Strong T-shirts may be ordered. Go to WASPFIT.WUFOO.COM to order. Proceeds will be donated to the Eyre family. | 