13-Year-Old Matthew Schultz Dies After Tragic Accident During Memorial Parade in Ohio

Aside from detailed reports surrounding the tragic passing of a 13-year-old, representatives of the deceased's family have started a GoFundMe campaign and spoken out about the incident.

On Monday, May 26, 2025, a 13-year-old boy passed away after a tragic incident involving a trailer during the city of Green's Memorial Day parade. The Green Fire Department confirmed the tragedy and disclosed what happened.

Since the news first broke, the Summit County Medical Examiner's office has identified the victim as Matthew Schultz from North Canton, Ohio, who attended North Canton City Schools in Stark County.

According to officials from the Summit County Sheriff's office and the City of Green, Schultz had been riding on a parade trailer, pulled by a pickup truck, when he fell from the front section of the trailer and was subsequently run over by the same vehicle.

The tragic event unfolded near the end of the parade route, which had started at 10 a.m. at Green High School and traveled along Boettler Road, Massillon Road, Steese Road, and Bulldog Boulevard. Onlookers, including local Dave Stannard and his wife, recounted the moment the procession came to a sudden standstill.

"All of the sudden [sic], things stopped and we didn't really know what was going on. It was kind of unusual," Stannard shared, describing the confusion that quickly turned into collective concern.

The Green Fire Department, already stationed on-site for the parade, responded immediately and transported Schultz to Akron Children's Hospital. There, he was pronounced dead. "It was a tragedy, an absolute tragedy," stated Sergeant Corin Usinski, who added, "I've been doing this as a police officer for 25 years and I've never heard of this happening before."

In a statement posted on Facebook, the fire department echoed the heartbreak, noting the severity of Schultz's injuries and the swift actions taken by emergency personnel.

The incident remains under investigation by the Summit County Sheriff's office with assistance from the Summit Metro Crash team. As things stand now, no criminal charges have been filed.

Meanwhile, Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin confirmed support efforts being offered to the district, saying, "Our school district has reached out to the school district of North Canton to offer counselors that will be in action to help their students walk through this issue."

In the wake of the heartbreaking accident, a GoFundMe page was launched to support Schultz's grieving family through the difficult days ahead. Created on behalf of the family by someone named Angela Andes, the fundraiser appeals to the community for help covering funeral costs and essential expenses.

This allows Schultz's loved ones the space to grieve and heal without the added weight of financial strain. Accompanying the page is a photo of the young teen — his wide grin, glasses, and soft features capturing a glimpse of the spirited boy remembered so fondly by those who knew him.

"Matthew was a fun, loving, Star Wars-obsessed, fruit snack-loving, amazing young man," Andes wrote in the campaign description. "He was the best son and big brother. He was everyone's best friend. The love we had for him is immeasurable."

As of now, the campaign has raised over $69,000 toward its $80,000 goal — an outpouring of generosity that speaks to the profound impact Schultz had on his community. "Please keep this family in your prayers," the message concludes. "Thank you all!"

On Tuesday, May 27, the Schultz family broke their silence through a family friend, Danielle Paciorek, who stood before the press flanked by loved ones and holding an endearing photo of the young teen.

Fighting back emotion, Paciorek shared the family's heartfelt message of grief and gratitude. "The Schultz family [...] are experiencing an unimaginable heartbreak after the tragic loss of their beloved son Matthew," she began.

She continued, "First and foremost, the family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out with love, support, and prayers over these few days. Your kindness has provided a small measure of comfort during a time of overwhelming grief."

Schultz, Paciorek said, may have only lived 13 years, but in that time, he offered a "lifetime worth of joy" to those around him.

Described as a bright light filled with curiosity, laughter, and love, he was remembered for his unshakable loyalty to his friends. "He was always quick with a smile and a kind word to his friends," Paciorek noted. "The kind of friend who you made [sic] for life."

As the family begins what Paciorek called the "difficult process of grieving and healing," they are holding fast to their faith, treasured memories, and the compassion of a community that continues to rally around them.

Paciorek also requested privacy for the Schultz family as they mourn, and relayed their desire for the public to "continue to lift Matthew up" in their hearts. She ended the statement with a simple but powerful plea — "Remember him not for how he left this world, but for the joy he brought to it. Thank you."

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Schultz's family, loved ones, friends, and all who knew him, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief. RIP, dear Schultz.