Tennessee
Child dies at Halloween attraction during prank gone wrong: 'Horrific accident'
A child was killed in a freak accident at a haunted hayride attraction over the weekend, Tennessee authorities say.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced the incident in a press release on Saturday. Deputies were called to Haunted Hilltop, a Halloween attraction located in Harrison, Tennessee, at around 10:45 p.m. on Friday night.
When they arrived, officials learned that a boy had been run over by a tractor while playing a prank on hay riders.
“Upon arrival, HCSO deputies spoke with a chaperone for a group of juveniles that had been playing near a hay ride tractor route and were behind some bushes trying to scare some hay riders at the Haunted Hilltop Halloween event,” the HCSO explained.
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The freak accident took place at a haunted hayride in Tennessee. (iStock)
“Deputies were told that one of the juveniles had attempted to jump on the trailer and had possibly slipped and fallen underneath the wheels and was found unresponsive.”
The Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s office told local media that the boy was 12 years old. In its press release, the sheriff’s office expressed its sympathy for the victim’s family.
“The HCSO family extends our thoughts and sympathy to the family of the deceased juvenile, as well as the others who witnessed the tragic event,” the statement said. “We ask the community [to] also keep this family in their prayers during this difficult time.”
“As this incident pertains to juveniles, no further information is available.”
The Haunted Hilltop is temporarily closed due to the accident. (WTVC)
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In a Facebook post, the Haunted Hilltop announced that it would be closed the following day and asked for prayers from the community.
“Due to the Tragic accident that occurred tonight we will NOT be open tomorrow-Saturday,” the page wrote on Facebook. “Our Hearts and Prayers go out to the family effected [sic] in this, Please keep us all in your prayers!”
On Monday evening, the Haunted Hilltop told Fox News Digital that it is closed for the time being.
The Haunted Hilltop told Fox News Digital that it was heartbroken about the incident. (WTVC)
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“We are heart-broken and devastated for this family,” the company said. “We have not even thought about [reopening] yet, this was a horrific accident.”
The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.
Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.
Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.
Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.
Tennessee
Sick and tired: Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Tennessee health officials say flu activity is rising sharply in around Chattanooga, with counties surrounding Hamilton showing some of the highest rates in the state.
Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Tennessee Dept. of Health. Photo via the Tennessee Health Dept.
Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These counties have flu positivity rates greater than 10 percent. By comparison, the statewide average is 6.5 percent, and Hamilton County itself is at 6.9 percent.
State and federal health experts say the surge comes as influenza A(H3N2) continues to circulate widely. The CDC reports at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide so far this season. One pediatric death was reported this week in Tennessee, bringing the season total to nine nationwide.
File photo: Getty Images.
Georgia officials are also reporting higher-than-average flu activity, signaling that the region is experiencing a particularly active season. Health authorities encourage residents six months and older to get vaccinated if they have not already and to take precautions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.
Flu activity is expected to remain elevated in Tennessee and across the U.S. for several more weeks, according to the CDC. Local hospitals and clinics are urging families to monitor symptoms and seek care early, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
For the latest guidance on influenza vaccination and antiviral treatments, visit the Tennessee Department of Health or the CDC at cdc.gov.
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