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Parade Ends Tragically When Float Kills Boy, 9

Kevin Brady / TBO.com

A boy who was run over by a float in the Plant City Christmas Parade on Collins Avenue is loaded into an ambulance by paramedics from Plant City Fire Rescue. The boy later died of his injuries.

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By RAY REYES, GEORGE H. NEWMAN and KEVIN BRADY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

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PLANT CITY - A Christmas parade tailored to instill wonder in children took a tragic turn Friday night when a 9-year-old boy was run over and killed by a float.

Jordan Hays of Inverness was walking beside the float of The Greater Heights Family Worship Center handing out beads and tossing candy to the crowds when his foot was caught by a wheel and he was dragged under, Plant City Police Chief Bill McDaniel said.

"This is a tragedy that defies words," McDaniel said. "This was supposed to be a time of celebration and joy, but it has turned into a terrible tragedy."

Hayes was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Hays was in Plant City to visit his brother Joshua Miller, Bridges said. Bridges did not comment further.

"This is a horrific, freak accident," said Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, who consoled Bridges and other family members after the accident, which occurred at 8:05 p.m. Friday. "This puts a shadow over Christmas."

"It's just unbelievable," said Joe C. Kelley Jr., senior pastor at Greater Heights Family Worship Center. Kelley was on his way from the parade to the hospital. "It was a bad accident." The church, at 3301 Clemens Road, was founded in 1968 south of Plant City.

Lott spoke with Hays' parents, Jerry and Connie, who drove from Inverness when they heard what happened to their son. The couple declined to comment.

Lott described the scene at South Florida Baptist as almost too intense and emotional for words.

"Everyone's in shock," Lott said. "It's a tragic, tragic scene."

Parade organizer Fran Neilsen said no tragedy had befallen the parade in its 24-year history. "It's the first time we've had anything like this happen," she said.

The parade was winding down and there were only 10 floats left when Hayes was run over, Neilsen said. A 4x4 pickup pulled the church's float, a flat-bed, tandem-axle trailer decorated with silver garland and green fabric.

More than 100 floats participated in this year's parade, which was to end with the arrival of Santa Claus, a highlight for the children, Neilsen said.

"This is an absolutely tragic day for the city of Plant City," Lott said. "All we can do now is pray for his family and reach out to them."

Editor's Note: Previous reports of the identity of the float driver were incorrect. Police Chief Bill McDaniel said Saturday the driver of the 2007 Ford pickup pulling the trailer of the church float was Rickie Tarlton, 11535 Tuton Road, Lithia.

Reporters Ray Reyes and George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4430.

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