Boy dies after being struck by trailer involved in Mt. Juliet Christmas parade

Andy Humbles | Nashville Tennessean

A young boy died in Mt. Juliet Saturday after being struck by a trailer towed by a pick-up truck that participated in the city's Christmas parade, police confirmed.

Wilson County Schools confirmed the boy who died attended W.A. Wright Elementary, according to a statement by the district on social media.

The school district's post stated: "Our hearts are very heavy with deep sadness over today’s tragic loss of a W.A. Wright Elementary student. We lift our strongest prayers for the family during this extremely difficult time and encourage others to keep W.A. Wright Elementary in their thoughts and prayers as well."

Mourners at a vigil on Sunday identified the boy as 7-year-old Rowan Frensley.

Police first received reports of a child injured in a parking lot of Mt. Juliet Middle School shortly before 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

UPDATE: Candlelight vigil, fundraiser set for boy killed at Mt. Juliet Christmas parade

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's preliminary description of the crash, the vehicle was traveling a low rate of speed preparing to unload passengers from a trailer.

Rowan was riding on the trailer of the 2014 Ford F-150, fell from the trailer and was struck by the trailer tires, according to THP.

Rowan was transported to a medical facility were he died from his injuries.

No charges have been filed, the report states.

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How the incident unfolded

The parade was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at West Wilson Middle School and end about three miles away at Mt. Juliet Middle School.

After learning of the incident just before 12:30 p.m. officers worked to establish a clear, unobstructed path for medics. An ambulance was escorted through heavy traffic and out of the city to a medical facility when the accident occurred, according to the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

Family members of the child were present, police said. There were a number of prayer circles at the scene for the child, Mt. Juliet Police Department Capt. Tyler Chandler tweeted.

"Please keep this family in your hearts and prayers during this difficult time," a Facebook post by the Mt. Juliet Police Department read.

The Tennessean will provide additional details as information becomes available.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.