Boy, 7, dies after being hit by Christmas parade float driven by dad

Rowan Ace Frensley, seven, fell under a trailer his dad was driving on Saturday
Schoolboy was at Christmas parade in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, before accident
Was taken to Vanderbilt hospital with critical injuries which he later died from
Fundraisers for the 'sweet beautiful boy's' family have raised more than $80,000

Rowan Ace Frensley, seven, died after he was hit by a trailer being driven by his father at a Christmas parade in Tennessee

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a trailer being driven by his father during a Christmas parade.

Rowan Ace Frensley fell from the float as the truck drove into a parking lot at Mount Juliet Middle School in Tennessee on Saturday afternoon.

Highway Patrol reported that the vehicle was moving slowly but that the youngster was struck by the tires and suffered critical head injuries, reports News Channel 5.

Paramedics rushed Rowan, who went to W.A. Wright Elementary, to Vanderbilt hospital, but he died on Saturday night.

On Monday, Captain Tyler Chandler of the Mt. Juliet Police department confirmed Rowan's father Art, 44, was behind the wheel to Sun Online.

Rowan's family - father Art, mother Jana and brother Hudson - released a statement thanking everyone who 'who cared for him and loved on him in his final moments'.

They added: 'We ask that everyone continue to pray for peace that surpasses all understanding for the family and those that loved the sweet beautiful boy that was Rowan Frensley.' Paramedics rushed Rowan to Vanderbilt hospital, but he died on Saturday night from critical head injuries. He is pictured in a red shirt with his father Art, mother Jana and brother Hudson
Hundreds line up as police escorts Rowan Frensley though city

'Hundreds lined Mt. Juliet Road today as his escort passed through. Let's continue to lift the Frensley family up'.

While Jerry Hire, who said he was in the truck with Mr Frensley during the accident told the Tennessean: 'It's the hardest thing I ever been through.'

  Rowan's family (pictured) released a statement after his tragic death thanking everyone who 'who cared for him and loved on him in his final moments'

Friends and people from the community also fundraised to help the family with funeral costs and had raised more than $80,000 by Tuesday. Pictured is Rowan

Friends are also raising money for the Frensley's on social media with $10,475 being donated on GoFundMe and a further $70,000 on Facebook.

The Facebook appeal read: 'Mount Juliet lets support this beautiful family.. A beautiful soul was lost today.

'A tragic accident took a life way to young .. His cute little smile could light a room .. lets help in the only true way we can .. We love you Rowan.. Go Fly High.'

Daily Mail