A woman tragically lost her life after stumbling on a moving float at a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Kentucky, resulting in her being pulled under the vehicle and crushed in front of many onlookers.
This unfortunate incident unfolded during the 53rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Louisville on Saturday, as people of all ages, from little kids to grandparents, filled the streets to celebrate.
Reports indicate that the woman, thought to be in her 50s, was walking beside a float loaded with hay bales connected to a gray pickup truck when she fell.
Seconds later, she was dragged beneath the float and struck by it, as reported by NBC’s affiliate.
The vehicle came to an abrupt stop as parade volunteers and participants rushed to her aid.
She was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after, according to police.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered along the parade route remained unaware of the dark turn of events as the float gradually halted.
A volunteer mascot, Stephanie Yustra, mentioned that she had just completed her segment when the float behind her suddenly stopped. Eventually, the news of the tragic event spread among the parade participants.
“I feel for the individuals on that float and all their families. It’s unimaginable what they’re going through,” Yustra expressed.
David Gunamba, who was operating a food truck nearby, observed as paramedics transported the woman on a stretcher. Initially, he didn’t believe it was a serious situation, let alone a fatal one.
“It’s incredibly heartbreaking. This event should be about joy, not tragedy… No one wants to hear such news,” Gunamba reflected.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg urged the community to keep the friends and family of the woman in their thoughts, stating, “May her memory be a blessing.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Traffic Division is currently looking into the incident.
