A four-year-old girl has died after falling from a tractor on her family's farm in Clark County, Nevada, on September 2. Hellayna Michelle King was riding on a trailer attached to the rear of the tractor when the vehicle stopped suddenly, throwing her off. The tractor then moved backwards and struck her, according to Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver.
Delayed emergency response
Relatives who were with the girl called emergency services, but a closed bridge nearby prevented the ambulance from reaching the scene quickly. Almost 45 minutes passed before help arrived, during which family members stayed with Hellayna until paramedics could attend.
Hellayna's aunt, LaDonna Lovings, said there was no certainty whether a faster response could have saved her life. "They had to sit there for 45 minutes with her, and it was just a tragic, tragic loss," she 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's grief
Hellayna was due to celebrate her fifth birthday in October. Her aunt spoke of the family's pain in arranging a funeral instead of a party. "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."
