A fatal accident at a Halloween event in Harrison, Tennessee, resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) reports that the tragic event took place on the night of October 11, 2024, at Haunted Hilltop, a popular haunted hayride attraction.
The HCSO arrived on the scene around 10:45 p.m., following reports of a child being hit by a tractor. The investigation revealed that a group of youths, under adult supervision, had been positioned near the hayride path, intending to startle the riders. The victim, who attempted to leap onto the moving trailer, slipped and fell under the wheels.
The child was identified as 12-year-old Samuel Jessen. He was found unresponsive at the scene and was subsequently declared dead. The HCSO expressed its condolences to the family of the young boy, saying in a statement, “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. We ask the community also to keep this family in their prayers during this difficult time.”
While confirming the age of the deceased, the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office did not disclose further details, citing his juvenile status.
Following the incident, Haunted Hilltop temporarily suspended its operations. In a statement, the attraction expressed its condolences, saying, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family affected by this. Please keep us all in your prayers!”
A similar tragedy unfolded the following night at a haunted hayride event in St. Augusta, Minnesota, where 13-year-old Alexander Mick tragically lost his life after falling under a tractor-pulled trolley wagon.
Both incidents are currently under investigation by local authorities, who have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families. The operators of the haunted hayride attractions in both states have discontinued their remaining events as a mark of respect to the families. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution around such attractions in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.