New Jersey Girl, 10, Dies After Falling from Scrambler Ride at Harvest Festival
Police have launched an investigation after a child fell from a so-called "Scrambler" ride at a festival in New Jersey and died.
The 10-year-old was ejected from an attraction at Deerfield Township Harvest Festival at 678 Morton Avenue on Saturday night, New Jersey State Police said in a statement. The force said it was looking into the incident.
Police said the girl fell from the "Extreme" ride in Cumberland County. The ride known, marketed as a Wisdom Super Sizzler, features a central arm from which rotating cars branch out, according to the manufacturer's website.
The child suffered serious injuries, and was rushed to Cooper Hospital by medical helicopter. Medics at the institution said the girl succumbed to her injuries at 7:20 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police.
Officials have not publicly revealed the girl's identity.
"The cause and circumstances remain under investigation, and there is no additional information available," a police statement on Facebook read.
Members of the public paid their respect to the girl and offered prayers for her family beneath the post.
The Deerfield Township Harvest Festival described the event on Facebook as a "community celebration filled with music, food and fun."
Organizers announced on Facebook they had canceled a parade scheduled for Sunday.
"All other festival activities will continue," the post stated. The team did not mention why the parade was canceled or if it was linked to the girl's death. The same message appeared on the festival website.
Some Facebook users connected the announcement with the girl's death, and demanded to know why the festival wasn't axed in its entirety. However, it is unclear if the organizers were aware of the girl's death when the statements were made.
Witness Jessica Estrada Plasencia told WPVI she saw the girl fall from the Extreme ride. Plasencia said the girl wasn't moving after hitting the ground.
Other unnamed witnesses told the broadcaster they saw the girl's distraught family members.
Plasencia told WPVI: "I have a seven-year-old and just seeing the little girl it's so heartbreaking.
"You would think your kids would be safe...I know you ride at your own risk, but they are there to make sure your kids are secure, to make sure kids aren't going to fall off a ride."
The Philadelphia Inquirer spoke to a woman linked to the festival on Sunday morning, who said no one was available to comment on the incident.
Newsweek asked the Deerfield Township Harvest Festival to comment on the death. A spokesperson for the organization provided a statement from The Township Committee and Recreation Committee, which sponsors several events, including the Harvest Festival.
"There was an accident at the harvest festival yesterday," the statement dated October 13 read.
"We have learned from the State Police that the young person involved in the accident has succumbed to her injuries and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
"The festival will be open today to offer a place for the community to come together in the wake of this tragedy."
In its 41st year, the festival takes place on the Rosenhayn Fire Company and Frank LoBiondo, Sr. Recreation Park on Morton Avenue in Rosenhayn.
The event has grown from a one-dayer to a four-day-long event since the 1970s. Thousands of people attend the festival, featuring musical performances, crafting, wine tours and rides.
"It is a source of pride for this community, and one of Cumberland County and South Jersey's most popular fall events," its website states.
This article has been updated with comment from the The Township Committee and Recreation Committee.
