A four-year-old girl has died after falling from a tractor and being run over when it reversed on top of her. Hellayna Michelle King was riding on a trailer attached to the tractor as it travelled through her family's farm in Clark County, Kentucky.
The tractor suddenly stopped, sending Hellayna off the back of the farm vehicle, according to Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver in a report. The tractor then reversed and ran over the girl in front of shocked family members, who rushed to call emergency services.
45-minute wait for ambulance
Instead of the expected 15-20 minutes, the family waited 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, watching helplessly as Hellayna's condition deteriorated. This was because a nearby bridge has been closed for the past two years, leaving relatives wondering if a faster response would have made a difference.
Following the tragedy on September 2, Hellayna's aunt LaDonna Lovings said: "They had to sit there for 45 minutes with her, and it was just a tragic, tragic loss."
Speaking to WKYT, Ms Lovings said: "If the bridge had been open, it would’ve taken them maybe 15, 20 minutes to get there. And 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 'bright and lively' girl
Hellayna would have turned five in October, with her family now planning her funeral instead of her birthday celebration. Ms Lovings said: "Nothing can prepare you for having to say goodbye to your niece, your daughter, bonus daughter, or whatever she was to us.
"Words can’t express how much we miss her and how much we wish we could go back. 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". The tribute continued: "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."
