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11-year-old girl hit, killed by vehicle during parade on Main Street in Nephi

Posted at 2:31 PM, Jul 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-16 00:20:43-04

NEPHI, Utah -- An 11-year-old girl died Friday after she was struck by a trailer during a parade on Main Street in Nephi that was being held in conjunction with this weekend's Ute Stampede Rodeo.

According to a press release from Nephi Police issued Saturday, the deadly accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Friday at 240 South Main Street and involved an entry in the Ute Stampede Heritage and Western Parade.

The parade entry, a pickup truck pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with a demolition derby vehicle, was traveling southbound on Main Street about a half an hour after the parade began and at a slow rate of speed.

An 11-year-old girl sitting on the back of the pickup truck attempted to exit the vehicle as the truck and trailer continued moving.

The girl slipped and fell to the ground, and the driver was unaware she had fallen and continued driving at "a very slow rate of speed." The trailer struck the child, and numerous citizens immediately came to her aid, the press release states.

The child was taken by ambulance to Central Valley Medical Center, where she died as a result of her injuries.

"Nephi City and Juab County offers the family and all those involved in this tragic accident our deepest sympathy and prayers," the press release from Nephi PD concludes.

The identity of the deceased has not been released.

It was not clear if the parade continued after the accident or not.

Later Saturday 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.

Officials are going to try and figure out a way to distribute items in a manner that is safe for attendees and parade participants. Parade officials want to thank everyone for your support and patience."