A Tennessee family is reeling from unimaginable loss after their 12-year-old son died in a tragic accident during a Halloween hayride at Haunted Hilltop in Harrison. What began as a night of thrills quickly turned into a nightmare for everyone involved.
On October 11, Samuel Jessen and other juveniles reportedly jumped out from the bushes, hoping to scare passengers on the haunted hayride.
In a tragic twist, Samuel became caught under the wheels of the trailer, leading to his untimely death. Witnesses screamed for the tractor driver to stop, but it seems their cries went unheard. The chilling scene unfolded just before 11 p.m., as deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene following a distress call.
According to eyewitness accounts, the atmosphere shifted from playful excitement to sheer panic within moments. Caitlyn Birch, a fellow hayride passenger, recounted the harrowing details. “They had jumped out of the bushes, and the particular boy who got run over, he tripped and got caught under the wheel,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Despite their frantic attempts to alert the driver, the hayride continued, leaving them trapped in a harrowing situation.
The Haunted Hilltop venue expressed their sorrow on Facebook, stating, “Please give this family and the Hilltop family time to grieve and get through this horrible accident.” The statement offered little comfort, as the local community rallied around the Jessen family during this heartbreaking time. Two Rivers Church Chattanooga shared their condolences online, noting, “We are heartbroken and grieving the loss of Samuel Jessen.
His faith was in Jesus Christ, and that faith has now been realized.”
In an effort to support the grieving family, loved ones created a GoFundMe account, which has already raised over $34,000. The outpouring of support underscores the community's deep sense of loss, as they unite in remembrance of a young boy whose life was cut tragically short.
In a bizarre and sorrowful coincidence, just a day prior, another boy lost his life in a similar hayride accident in Minnesota. Thirteen-year-old Alexander Mick was killed after being run over by a trolley wagon during the annual Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride. His father, Steven D. Mick, shared his heartache on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. “We are still struggling to pick a picture for the obituary,” he wrote, sharing a glimpse of his son’s radiant spirit.
The simultaneous tragedies have ignited discussions about safety at seasonal attractions and the inherent risks involved. Many are questioning the measures in place to ensure the safety of participants in such festive activities. In a world where Halloween brings joy and fun, these accidents highlight the fine line between thrill and tragedy.
As the community mourns, the call for action grows louder. What do you think can be done to improve safety during festive events? Share your thoughts and feelings on this tragic situation.
