A four-year-old girl has died after falling from a family tractor, which then reversed over her, in a freak accident on a farm in Clark County, Nevada.
Hellayna Michelle King was travelling on a tractor across her family's farm when the tragedy occurred on September 2. She was seated on a trailer attached to the rear of the tractor when the vehicle stopped abruptly, throwing her from the back before it reversed and crushed her, according to a report from Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver.
Emergency response delayed by closed bridge
Family members who were with the little girl rushed to contact emergency services, but the closure of a nearby bridge meant the ambulance could not reach the scene quickly. Almost 45 minutes passed before assistance arrived, during which time relatives stayed with Hellayna.
Hellayna's aunt, LaDonna Lovings, said there was no way of knowing whether a swifter response would have saved the youngster's life.
"They had to sit there for 45 minutes with her, and it was just a tragic, tragic loss," LaDonna told WKYT. "If the bridge had been open, it would've taken them maybe 15, 20 minutes to get there. And you know it may have made a difference and it may have not made a difference, but the fact that somebody was there to try and help her would've made a difference."
Family remembers a 'bright and lively' girl
Hellayna was due to celebrate her fifth birthday in October, and her aunt expressed the family's heartbreak at having to organise a funeral instead of a celebration.
"Nothing can prepare you for having to say goodbye to your niece, your daughter, bonus daughter, or whatever she was to us," LaDonna said. "Words can't express how much we miss her and how much we wish we could go back. You know accidents happen all the time and you just don't think it's going to happen to you."
Hellayna's obituary described her as a "bright and lively little girl who was full of life and brought so much joy to those around her". It added: "She also loved to sing, filling the days with her sweet voice and happy spirit. Whether she was outside playing, helping on the farm, or singing a favourite song, Layna embraced life with an energy and happiness that will be deeply missed by everyone who loved her."
