6-Year-Old Dies After Being Struck by Skid Steer Operated by Her Father: 'Her Joy and Love Lit Up Any Room'
Mar. 15, 2025Grace Hinderliter.Photo:nelson-funeralhome.com
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nelson-funeralhome.com
Grace Hinderliter died after local and state agencies responded to the emergency callon Saturday at 12:39 p.m. on Margaret Street, according to Oswego County News Now.
Grace’s father, Jeffrey Hinderliter, was operating a skid steer — a construction vehicle often used for digging and landscaping — along a wood line on his property.
“This is a tragic event that has deeply affected the Oswego community,” police chief Phil Cady said, according Oswego County News Now. “There have been multiple levels of coordination with the family, school district and first responders for assistance and counseling.”
No criminal charges will be filed against Jeffrey, the Oswego Police Department confirmed, perCNY Central.
Jeffrey previously worked for the New York State Department of Transportation and Department of State. In 2019, he was appointed city engineer and moved with his wife and their three children from Ilion to Oswego.
AGoFundMe pagewas created on Sunday, Nov. 10, to help Grace’s family with funeral expenses. As of Friday, Nov. 15, the page has raised more than $46,000, exceeding its goal of $9,000.
Grace Hinderliter.gofundme.com
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gofundme.com
Grace’s summer day camp, Camp Foundations, shared the news of Grace’s death in a Facebookannouncementon Nov. 10: “Her joy and love lit up any room and she was a friend to all. Her smile could make anyone’s day become better. Our hearts hurt and grieve with them and the loss is insurmountable."
The Kingsford Park School second grader “was a beautiful girl, with a kind and loving heart, a creative mind, and endless energy,”her obituary read. “She had a creative eye and a special skill of turning trash into art, which she adorned her house with. She loved nature and enjoyed being active outside.”
“Grace was a graceful dancer, who enjoyed dancing at Creation Studios with her friends. She loved her family, friends, teachers, and her church community. But most of all, she loved God more,” her obituary continued.
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A representative for Oswego Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Friday.
source: people.com
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