Communities rally to support family of 13-year-old who died after falling from parade float
GREEN, Ohio (WJW) – The communities of Green and North Canton are doing all they can to support the family of 13-year-old Matthew Schultz, who died after an accident on Memorial Day.
Schultz fell off a parade float and was struck by the wheels. He later died at the hospital.
Now, a special prayer session and a vigil are both scheduled for Friday.
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In Green, a rosary prayer service is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.
The pastor, Father David Durkee, told FOX 8 News that while Schultz was involved with his hometown church in North Canton, he'd been there before, and his grandparents often attend services there.
Durkee also spent time with Schultz' family on Wednesday and was inspired by their faith.
He said a prayer service to try and lift the family up is important at a time when everyone is doing what they can to support the family — but it will also make a difference down the line.
'It's going to get them through the dark times later down the road when the crowd is not around them, and to realize the memories, to know that people came out and showed their love and support,' Durkee said.
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Additionally, a celebration of Schultz' life is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Witwer Park near North Canton Middle School.
Attendees will be able to write a note for the family and are encouraged to wear blue, as it was Schultz' favorite color.
A GoFundMe set up to support the family has surpassed $87,000 in donations.
A local T-shirt company called Hawk Creations also created a memorial T-shirt that honors Schultz. In a Facebook post, they said 50% of each sale will be donated to the family, in addition to 15% of all sales through the end of June.
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