Carson Cheney Death: Falling Tombstone Kills Four-Year-Old Boy in Utah

Authorities in Utah say a four-year-boy was killed Thursday after being injured by a falling tombstone at a historic cemetery in the ski resort town of Park City.

According to ABC News, Carson Cheney was with his family at Glenwood Cemetery in Park City, when the 6-foot-tall gravestone became separated from its stand and fell on the youngster, crushing his upper body.

The boy was trapped for a time before family members were able lift the heavy stone off him.

First responders took Carson to Park City Medical Center for treatment, but he died later from his injuries.

“(It’s) very unfortunate, certainly something we’ve never seen before nor have I heard of and I just feel very bad for everyone involved in this,” said Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter. “Everyone has been devastated by this.”

Carpenter added that an investigation was underway at the cemetery Friday morning looking into how and why the massive headstone fell.

“This tragic accident has taken the life of our energetic, sweet, beloved little boy, Carson Dean Cheney. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers, but wish for privacy at this difficult time,” said Geri Gibbs, the boy’s grandmother, in a statement.

Following 4-year-old Carson Cheney’s death, Bruce Erickson, president of the Glenwood Cemetery Association, announced that the cemetery was closed until Monday out of respect for the boy’s family and the family that placed the toppled tombstone.

When asked if Thursday’s accident will prompt the cemetery to check other headstones, Erickson told KSLTV it’s up to the families of the deceased to do that.

KSL has more on the traffic tombstone accident that took the life of Carson Cheney below: