Sept. 03–An 8-year-old child died after he was struck by a float during the Windsor Harvest Festival Parade on Labor Day morning, authorities say.
The child was taken to the Medical Center of the Rockies, where he was later pronounced dead, said Todd Vess, spokesman for Windsor Severance Fire Rescue.
An online fundraiser for the boy’s family identified him as Brycen Zerby. The fundraiser is organized by Clear Water Products, the Greeley oilfield services business where the boy’s father, Jimmy Zerby, works as a supervisor. Jason Edwards, the company’s vice president, confirmed Monday that the fundraiser was for the boy’s family and that he had been in contact with Jimmy Zerby.
“No matter how much this thing raises, we’re going to take care of them,” Edwards said Monday. “We’re going to be here.”
Donors had given more than $25,000 in four hours Monday.
The boy was part of the church-sponsored float and not a spectator at the parade. It’s unclear whether he fell from the float or was walking beside the float when he was struck, Vess said.
“The child and family are in our hearts right now. Windsor is a small, tight-knit community and we hope to protect the family’s privacy as they grieve the loss of their child,” Windsor Police Chief Rick Klimek said in a statement.
The remainder of the parade was immediately canceled following the accident, Vess said.
“This is very rare. It was very traumatic for people who witnessed it,” he said.
Counselors from North Range Behavioral Health are offering to speak with children or adults who witnessed the fatal accident. Anybody who witnessed or has been affected by the boy’s death can call 970-347-2120 to speak with mental health professionals who are on call 24/7.
The child’s parents went to the hospital with the boy and were with him when he died, Vess said.
Edwards said he told the boy’s family to not worry about work or the family’s finances and to focus on healing.
“That little boy was his life,” Edwards said of the father.
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