Boy dies after being run over by Christmas float

9-year-old’s foot became caught in wheel

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updated 4:41 p.m. ET Dec. 8, 2007

PLANT CITY, Fla. - A 9-year-old boy died after being run over by a church float in a Christmas parade.

Jordan Hayes was walking alongside the float, handing out beads and candy, when his foot was caught by a wheel and he fell under the float Friday night, said Police Chief Bill McDaniel.

Parade watchers shouted at the driver to back up, but the pickup truck pulling the Greater Heights Family Worship Center float ran over Jordan a second time.

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Jordan, of Inverness, had been in Plant City visiting a brother.

"This is a tragedy that defies words," McDaniel said. "This was supposed to be a time of celebration and joy, but it has turned into a terrible tragedy."