Accident claims child

Posted: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 8:59 pm

A 4-year-old Rutherford boy was killed Tuesday afternoon in a freak farming accident.
Luke Flowers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jearod Flowers, who reside at 121 China Grove Road near Rutherford, died instantly when thrown from a tractor.

According to Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold, the youngster was riding on a tractor with an enclosed cab, driven by Derrick Yergin. “While turning the tractor around, he turned into the wind and the door flew open and the little boy fell out,” the sheriff said. “The youngster was seated properly in a jump seat on the side of the driver’s seat. It all happened so fast. The driver tried to catch the little boy but to no avail. There was nothing he could do.”

The child’s father was plowing on another tractor in the same field when the accident occurred.
The Gibson County Sheriff Department, Gibson County Ambulance Service and Gibson County Fire and Rescue Squad, along with the County Coroner, Sam Thompson, were dispatched at about 3:40 p.m. The youngster was pronounced dead at the scene.
A community prayer service was held for the family Tuesday night.
Ironically, Jearod Flowers’ mother died in a tornado that touched down in the China Grove Community five years ago in April.

Published in The Messenger 4.20.11