Old Dies in Haunted Hayride Crash 1 Day After Similar Deadly Incident

A haunted hayride in Minnesota has closed for the season after a teenager died at the popular attraction.

Crews responded to the Harvest of Horror Haunted Hayride in St. Augusta on Saturday, Oct. 12, after receiving a report that a "young male had been injured" on site, according to a news release from the Stearns County Sheriff's Office .

The initial caller informed authorities that the victim, identified by the SCSO as 13-year-old Alexander Mick of Rice, "was run over by a trolley wagon being pulled by a tractor."

An off-duty police officer and an off-duty medic were among the bystanders who "immediately started to render aid" to Mick, the SCSO said.

Despite life-saving efforts, Mick was ultimately "pronounced deceased at the scene."

Mick, who went by the nickname "Xander," was an 8th grade student at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School "where he was in band, choir, robotics, and soccer," according to his obituary .

He is remembered as a "helpful" and tech-savvy teenager who "was full of energy, had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile." He was also "well known for his unique white hair," and "could be spotted from a distance."

"Xander was kind, very polite, unique, creative, investigative, and saw the good in everyone," the obituary stated.

In a statement shared to its website , Harvest of Horror announced that "organizers have made the decision to cancel the remaining nights" on the 2024 schedule.

"We are cooperating fully with the authorities and are grateful for their support," the company said. "We are deeply shaken by this event and are asking for thoughts, prayers and support for the family and friends of the individual involved and all those affected by this tragedy."

More than $34,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support Mick's family following the "tragic" incident as of Wednesday, Oct. 16.

"We are so overwhelmed by the love and generosity of our friends and community that helped us reach our goal," wrote Pat Genberg, who organized the online fundraiser.

A day earlier, on Oct. 11, another juvenile died in a haunted hayride-related incident in Tennessee.

The child was "struck by a tractor" at the Haunted Hilltop attraction in Hamilton County last Friday while "trying to scare" some riders, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office .

HSCO deputies "spoke with a chaperone for a group of juveniles that had been playing" near a hayride route on site when one of the juveniles "attempted to jump on the trailer" after hiding in some bushes.

The child was "found unresponsive" after he seemingly slipped and fell underneath the wheels, and later died at the scene, the HCSO said.