MOUNT JULIET, Tenn. — A Tennessee community is mourning after a child was killed in an accident at a Christmas parade.
People gathered on Sunday to remember 7-year-old Rowan Frensley at a vigil.
The accident happened Saturday afternoon as the Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade was wrapping up. As participants were unloading from the floats, Frensley was accidentally run over by the trailer driven by his dad.
"His daddy was driving the truck. It was very horrible. It's the hardest thing I ever been through," Jerry Hire said.
Hire said he was in the truck with Rowan's father when the accident occurred.
On Sunday, dozens of people filled the Mt. Juliet parking lot at 4 p.m. with candles, blue balloons and teddy bears. At the vigil, people prayed and embraced one another during this tough time.
"My kids and ex-husband unfortunately saw the accident," Brandi Sprague said. "Please pray for them...this is one of those things we don't ever want to happen."
The vigil was organized with the help of Frensley's fellow Boy Scouts.
The Frensley family sent WTVF this statement:
“The family of Rowan Frensley wants to say thank you for the outpouring of love, support and prayers that we have received and are continuing to receive from everyone during this incredibly difficult time. We want to thank all of the individuals that were first on the scene yesterday to render aid to Rowan as well as the first responders, nurses, doctors and the entire team of care providers at VUMC who cared for him and loved on him in his final moments. We ask that everyone continue to pray for peace that surpasses all understanding for the family and those that loved the sweet beautiful boy that was Rowan Frensley”.
Two online fundraisers have been set up to help the family with expenses.
This story was originally published by Seena Sleem at WTVF.