A Clark County family is grieving the loss of 4-year-old Hellayna Michelle King, who died after falling from the back of a tractor and being struck by the vehicle on Sept. 2.
The accident happened on Red River Road, according to Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver. Hellayna was riding on the back of the tractor when she fell. The tractor then accidentally backed over her, the coroner said.
Hellayna, known to her family as “Layna,” was born Oct. 5, 2021, in Fayette County, Kentucky. She was just one month away from her fifth birthday.
Her family remembers her as an energetic child who loved being outdoors, helping on the farm and singing. Her obituary describes her as someone whose happiness brought warmth to the people around her.
Her aunt, LaDonna Lovings, said the family is now facing the painful reality of planning a funeral instead of celebrating Hellayna’s fifth birthday.
“Nothing can prepare you for having to say goodbye to your niece, your daughter, bonus daughter or whatever she was to us,” Lovings said.
Lovings described Hellayna as the family’s “sunshine” and said the loss has been especially difficult for those who watched her suffer after the accident.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns among people in the area about a nearby bridge closure. Lovings said the closure has affected the community for roughly two years, forcing residents to take a longer alternate route.
According to Lovings, the detour can add about 45 minutes to the trip. She said the family has wondered whether having a shorter route to emergency help might have changed what happened, while acknowledging that there is no way to know whether it would have saved Hellayna.
She hopes the bridge work can be completed before another family has to experience a similar tragedy.
Hellayna’s funeral arrangements were held Saturday, Sept. 5, at Scobee Funeral Home in Winchester. The funeral home’s obituary confirms that Hellayna died Sept. 2 at the age of 4.
Her family has also set up a fundraiser to help with the cost of an urn and everyday expenses following her death.
For those who knew Hellayna, the coming weeks will bring a difficult milestone: a birthday that should have been celebrated, but instead will be remembered as a reminder of the little girl her family says brought light and happiness into their lives.
