Family's heartbreak as grandfather accidentally backs over and kills toddler grandson with ride on lawn mower

  • Jack Joseph Kelley, from Ferndale, Washington, was playing in the yard on Saturday when his grandfather, 67, ran over him with a John Deere riding mower
  • The child, who was due to turn two on July 22, was killed instantly
  • Whatcom County sheriff called 'a tragic, freak accident'

By Helen Pow

Published: | Updated:

An adorable Washington state toddler has died after his grandfather accidentally backed over him with a ride on lawn mower.

According to Whatcom County sheriff's office, Jack Joseph Kelley was playing in the yard on Saturday while his 67-year-old grandfather cut the grass with a John Deere riding mower.

The mower backed over the boy, killing him instantly, sheriff Bill Elfo said. The child was just days shy of his second birthday.

Tragedy: Toddler Jack Kelley, pictured, was killed this weekend when his grandfather accidentally backed over him with a riding lawn mower, according to the sheriff's office

Tragedy: Toddler Jack Kelley, pictured, was killed this weekend when his grandfather accidentally backed over him with a riding lawn mower, according to the sheriff's office

Results of an autopsy had not been released as of Wednesday but Elfo said evidence does not suggest a crime, rather a devastating tragedy.

'It's what appears to be a tragic, freak accident,' he told The Bellingham Herald.

It is unclear if the boy was crushed or how else he may have died. No other details have been released.

Deputies believe the grandfather had been visiting the boy's parents at their Ferndale home when the accident happened.

So young: The child, pictured left ad right, was just days shy of his second birthday when the tragedy unfolded
So young: The child, pictured left ad right, was just days shy of his second birthday when the tragedy unfolded

So young: The child, pictured left ad right, was just days shy of his second birthday when the tragedy unfolded

Loved: Jack, pictured with is father Brian Kelley, was playing in the yard on Saturday while his 67-year-old grandfather cut the grass with a John Deere riding mower

Loved: Jack, pictured with is father Brian Kelley, was playing in the yard on Saturday while his 67-year-old grandfather cut the grass with a John Deere riding mower

Lawn mower: Jack was killed by a John Deere ride on mower, like those pictured

Lawn mower: Jack was killed by a John Deere ride on mower, similar to that pictured

The cute little boy had at least two older siblings, a brother and sister. His parents regularly posted family photos on Facebook and were celarly very loving parents.

The Kelley children were recently pictured smiling atop a horse at a ranch in Joyce, Washington with the caption 'horsing around at the farm.'

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Christ the King Church, 4173 Meridian St.

A short obituary read: Jack Joseph Kelley, son of Brian L. and Joella C. Kelley, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2013. In addition to his parents, Jack is survived by many loving family members.

Distraught family: Jack's parents Brian, left, and Joella, right, and his two older siblings are devastated by the loss

Distraught family: Jack's parents Brian, left, and Joella, right, and his two older siblings are devastated by the loss

Few details: It is unclear if the boy, pictured, was crushed or how else he may have died. No other details have been released

Few details: It is unclear if the boy, pictured, was crushed or how else he may have died. No other details have been released


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