5-year-old Harper Finn was involved in a horse harness racing accident at the Effingham County Fair in south-central Illinois. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 30, and severely injured the young girl. The local community has actively supported the young girl as she fights for her life in the hospital. As a part of the support efforts for Harper Finn, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for the 5-year-old horse harness accident victim. Let’s take a look at the details of the horse harness accident, the ongoing investigation, and how you can donate to Harper Finn’s GoFundMe Campaign.
Harper Finn’s horse harness accident explained
Harper Finn was attending the Jeffer’s Memorial Races at the Effingham County Fair with her parents, Richard and Bethany Finn of Altamont, when the accident occurred. The event involved horse harness racing.
https://www.facebook.com/effinghamcountyfairIL/posts/658455736308652
A starting gate was responsible for keeping the horses in order and preventing them from passing the pace car. However, during the opening lap of the first harness race, the extending starting gate somehow entered the grandstand and struck young Harper.
According to reports, the gate didn’t fold correctly or was still extended when it hit her. As Harper innocently discarded something, the gate collided with her, causing severe injuries.
Races are postponed until further notice.
Scary situation as the starting gate hit a spectator in the first row. The spectator has been air-lifted to a hospital.
— Alex Wallner (@byalexwallner) July 30, 2023
Medical professionals and emergency personnel provided swift care to the injured child. Harper was rushed to a local hospital and later airlifted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for further medical attention.
Details of the investigation into the accident
There is an ongoing collaborative effort by authorities, including the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Altamont Police Department, Altamont Fire Protection District, and the Effingham County Fair Board, to investigate the accident.
Tracy & I are praying for 5 y/o Harper Finn, who was seriously injured at the Effingham County Fair last weekend. The local community is rallying to the family's side after her tragic accident. May God watch over them during this incredibly difficult time.https://t.co/Mr5joSm9xg
— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) July 31, 2023
As of now, it remains unclear how the starting gate extended into the grandstand, which led to Harper Finn’s accident. Sheriff Paul Kuhns said they are working to determine the cause of the mishap and why the gate remained extended at the time of the incident.
The investigation is essential to ensure that such accidents do not happen in the future. It would also provide clarity to Harper’s family and the community on what happened that day.
GoFundMe fundraiser for the Finn Family, how to donate
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association came forward in support of Harper Finn and her family. They established a GoFundMe fundraiser for the 5-year-old with the goal of providing financial assistance for her medical expenses and offering relief to her family.
While the initial target was only $10,000, the fundraiser has raised over $69,435 from 690 donations. Donors have also left heartfelt messages and prayers for Harper’s recovery.
If you would like to contribute to the fundraiser and support Harper Finn and her family, you can visit the official GoFundMe page here.
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association has expressed that no amount is too small, and every donation will be deeply appreciated. Regardless of the contribution’s size, every act of kindness will help ease the burden the Finn family faces.
You can share questions about Harper Finn’s horse harness accident and GoFundMe. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
