The little boy’s 68-year-old great-grandmother also died in the June 23 crash
A 4-year-old boy and his great-grandmother died following a farming accident in Indiana, according to authorities and local reports.
On Monday, June 23 at 7:40 p.m. local time, authorities received a call about an accident in Redding Township, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. When emergency responders arrived, they found a 68-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy who had been “struck” by a tractor. The little boy was taken to a medical center where he was pronounced dead. The woman was flown to another hospital and died of her injuries on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, the sheriff’s office said.
When contacted by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the two people were related and that the tractor involved in the accident was a combine. The Jackson County Coroner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. The accident is under investigation.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all involved,” Sheriff Rick Meyer of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
In an interview with NBC affiliate WTHR, Zach Flinn, confirmed that his 4-year-old nephew, Maverick Flinn, and Maverick’s great-grandmother were involved in the fatal accident. That evening, the little boy wanted to ride in the combine with his great-grandfather. As he exited the tractor, both he and his grandma were fatally injured, according to the outlet.
Zach told WTHR that farming was a big part of Maverick’s life.
“It was in his blood,” the grieving uncle told the outlet. “But just, so energetic, so loving, never met someone that he didn’t want to give a hug to.”
According to the little boy’s obituary, he was loving and made friends easily. “Maverick’s life was full of joy and curiosity,” it reads. “His bright smile and kind spirit touched everyone he met.”
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“God’s child had the brightest smile, a heart full of love, and gave the very best hugs,” Maverick’s obituary reads. “His time on earth was far too short, but the love he gave and received will remain forever.”
Following the tragic accident, more than $70,000 has been raised via GoFundMe in honor of the young boy, well beyond the original goal of $5,000, as of Monday, June 30. Maverick’s family plans on creating a playground in his memory. (The organizer of the donation page did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.)
