Tippecanoe toddler dies after being hit by truck at home

Tribune Staff Report

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2008 at 11:29 AM EDT

TIPPECANOE — A 13-month-old child has died after being struck by a truck on the grounds of her home on 18B Road in Tippecanoe about 2 p.m. Saturday.

Marshall County Sheriff’s Department investigators said Hailey Jean Warn, 13 months, was struck by a truck being driven by Gabriel Geldner, also of that residence, as he was moving the truck to the rear of the residence.

Geldner told officials he did not see the child and the truck was in motion. Police, who were dispatched at 2:16 p.m. Saturday, said Geldner took the child to the Tippecanoe emergency station, where she was tended to by multi-township EMS until she was flown by Samaritan to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She later died because of her injuries.

The Allen County coroner’s office said Monday that authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine cause of death.

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 10:37 PM RV wrote ...

This is a sad tragedy and my prayers go out to the parents, just as everyone elses should.

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 2:31 PM tpk wrote ...

It seems that the entire world is Judge, Advocate and General. No one knows exactly what happened or the facts surrounding the incident except those who were there and the almighty himself. You are all so sick even those wishing the family well are doing it through colored glasses. Let these people morn. Leave them alone!

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 9:48 AM ed wrote ...

to all you that have left loveing comments i want to thank you. to thoes of you who have left hateful comment how dare you pass judgement on a matter you do not know the facts. i am the great grandfather to hailey and i can accecpt the fact thias was an accent so if i can why cant you. everyone in this world passes judgement too fast and needs to take a step back and ask if this was my child how would i like reading hateful comments like some of you have posted. my love to all who have been kind

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 9:02 AM nb wrote ...

thank you, to all that has kindness for our family, this is hard enough without the.../?!#..people that have no heart. people dont understand beause they wern't there , but THE FAMILY was. they are wonderful parents and the people that want to say mean and evil things SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! i only hope you can stand in front of god with a clear conscious and a i truley will pray for you. thank you all that have kept this family in your prayers and thoughts .

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 7:34 AM family member wrote ...

Thank You to fifi, who ever you are. We are greatful for your true support at this time.

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 7:32 AM rej wrote ...

Reply to anon. Shame on you! This was an accident pure and simple. You must not have chldren OR a heart. Children can get away from you in a New York second. ALSO YOU DO NOT KNOW THE FULL STORY. fOR GODS SAKE SHOW SOME COMPASSION FOR THIS FAMILY WHO JUST LOST A CHILD THERE IS NO GREATER PAIN IN THE WORLD!! GROW A HEART!!!!

Wednesday, Apr 9 at 3:09 AM concerned wrote ...

maybe there should be an investigation on whether this man was on drugs or alcohol! i know the man and it is very possible. so sad for this child

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:29 PM Sue wrote ...

My prayers go out for this family. We watch our children, trying to protect them from harm, but it just takes a second for something to happen. Although it's hard for us to understand, God called this child home and I pray that the family can take comfort if not now, but in the very near future, in the knowledge that she now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior, in a land where there is no pain nor tears.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 9:20 PM Fifi wrote ...

Any one who left comments about neglect on this ever had a child die tragically? Do you know the pain that follows, the guilt that tears you up inside that does not allow you to ever have a moments peace without thinking of the million of things that could have been done differently? Until you have, don't judge this Woman. I've been there, and I know this Woman and have since she herself was the age of Haily. Back off people. Judge not least yea be judged. Glass houses and stones do not mix.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 8:02 PM My2Cents wrote ...

The blunt point to all of this is that the child shouldn't have been allowed to be in the position to get hit, ran over. There has to be blame somewhere, and it's with the neglectful parenting. That's right, the parents are resposible for the child, she should have never been running, walking, skipping, etc. outside without all eyes on her. You all can protect the family with your words, but who was there to protect lil Hailey?? Is someone going to come forward and explain?, doubt it!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:56 PM Brenda wrote ...

So many are eager to judge the family of this little girl. I don't know them, but I'd bet that they are going through a living hell. Assigning blame doesn't help anyone. These "comment" areas on the news websites are quickly becoming a way for people to cast judgement on others, and make ourselves feel somehow superior. Leave this family alone, they have enough to deal with. Find a little kindness in your hearts, folks. You may need the kindness of strangers someday, yourself.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:18 PM Jeremy wrote ...

Hey SS, where was the mother? Do you know? Please let me know. You seem very wise.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 2:01 PM Fifi wrote ...

My heart goes out to Hailey's family. This is just another tragic accident that yes, could and should have been prevented, but it's too late for that now. And placing blame and guilt at this point is cruel. And people would understand that better if they knew that the mother lost her own mother in a car accident when she was young. If people don't think that this hasn't caused her a pain that she thinks right now is worse than death, they are wrong. Show me someone that is perfect, I dare you.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 1:11 PM SS wrote ...

A terrible tragedy! I am so sorry for the family of this child. To anyone insensitive enough to say "were was the mother": Where was YOUR mother when you should have been learning compassion and respect for other human beings? Is this really how you spend your day? Looking for the misfortune of others so that you can pass out blame and recriminations to people YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT! What small evil people. no wonder you are so lonely- your obnoxious.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 1:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Anytime someone is leaving our house and our children are outside we make sure our children are out of the way and we are by their side until that person is gone. Accidents do happen but because they do we as parents need to be cautious

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:37 AM crystal wrote ...

you all know we all say we would do one thing but sometime we do it and s=do not thing we can all say what if there is so many what if i pray for the family and God be with you dont point finger because it could happen to you

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:17 AM family member wrote ...

it is very clear to me that everyone who has commented in a negative way they must not have children and they must be perfect or they are not working and do live in a village because it only takes one second and a child can fall or trip and anything can happen and does all the time. like children that get shot or hit. you no when the village is all watching so to all you perfect people out there with your perfect little comments only god will judge you i wont because i am not perfect.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 11:08 AM D.P wrote ...

Anyone that is a parent knows how fast a 13 month old can move. This is the most tragic thing that could happen to a parent.To anyone who posts on this please keep in mind the family is reading this, and you do not know the whole story.Thank you to all who posted the prayers to this family. It is good to know that some people admit to the reality of raising a young child and their swiftness. This is an accident not a crash!

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 9:32 AM Anon wrote ...

Anonymous 735 this is NOT and accident, this is a crash. An accident is something that can't be prevented and this tragedy COULD have been prevented by people watching the kid

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 9:25 AM BRENNA wrote ...

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN AND WE DONT KNOW THE WHOLE STORY...DO NOT JUDGE, THAT IS FOR GOD...PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FAMILY OF THIS CHILD AND THE MAN THAT HIT HER.

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 9:24 AM D.B. wrote ...

Yes, it could have been prevented, however everyone posting a comment doens't know the full story, your only reading the limited information the newspaper wrote. Why don't you have some consideration for the family, they are having a difficult time, no need for monday morning quarter backs......

Tuesday, Apr 8 at 7:35 AM Anonymous wrote ...

A terrible tradgedy. Still it was an ACCIDENT and accidents do happen.These kind of accidents are so terrible. Children are so quick that it takes a village to raise them and watch over them. God Bless this family and the poor man who ran her over he has to live with this the rest of his life.It is JUST Sad!

Monday, Apr 7 at 9:29 PM ev wrote ...

you have to be SURE you DO SEE the child before the truck goes into motion!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, Apr 7 at 8:28 PM Greg wrote ...

What kind of knott head leaves a 13 month old out in the yard in the first place. Did he expect the child to get up and run to get out of his way. This guy just doesnt get it.

Monday, Apr 7 at 4:12 PM Deb wrote ...

"Geldner told officials he did not see the child and the truck was in motion" HELLLLOOOOO did not see the child????? How can people be so STUPID. Put the child in the car with you when you are moving it. It's not rocket science!

Monday, Apr 7 at 3:00 PM Linda wrote ...

I agree with Bill. These types of accidents are so easily prevented. Who was watching her anyhow? I wouldn't think a 13 month old would be allowed around any moving vehicle unattended right?

Monday, Apr 7 at 2:22 PM Sue wrote ...

When my kids were little, I always made sure where they were when moving my vehicle. If they were outside, I would make them stand at the edge of the driveway where I could see them. AND I drove VERY slowly in case they did something stupid! I'm sure Geldner is guilt-stricken. My prayers go out to him & the family.

Monday, Apr 7 at 2:13 PM heart sick wrote ...

where was the mother of this child..once again! when they are that age you have to watch them like a hawk!

Monday, Apr 7 at 11:59 AM Bill wrote ...

People! You have to be aware of your surrounding when mocing a vehicle. This is a tragic incident that could have been prevented by being careful.

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