Hellayna “Layna” Michelle King, 4, died September 2 after falling from a trailer attached to her family’s tractor on Red River Road in Clark County, Kentucky, and being accidentally struck by the vehicle as it backed up, according to Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver. Her family says a nearby bridge closure delayed emergency responders by roughly 45 minutes. She was due to turn five on October 5.
A month before she was supposed to blow out five candles, Hellayna “Layna” Michelle King’s family was planning a funeral instead.
What Happened on Red River Road
Layna had been riding on a trailer at the rear of her family’s tractor on Wednesday, September 2, when the tractor suddenly stopped, sending her tumbling forward onto the ground. The tractor then backed over her, according to Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver, leaving her critically injured.
A Wait That Felt Endless
What happened next may be the hardest part of this story for Layna’s family to carry. Her aunt, LaDonna Lovings, said the family stayed with the little girl for roughly 45 minutes as they waited for emergency responders to arrive — a delay she attributes to a nearby bridge closure that forced a longer route to the property.
“They had to sit there 45 minutes with her and it was just a tragic, tragic loss,” Lovings told WKYT.
Lovings was careful to say the family can’t know for certain whether a faster response would have changed the outcome. But she said it would have meant everything to have help arrive sooner.
“If the bridge had been open, it would’ve taken them maybe 15, 20 minutes to get there,” she said. “And you know, it may have made a difference, and it may not have made a difference — but the fact that somebody was there to try and help her would’ve made a difference.”
CSX Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet told WKYT they have been working to finalize the design of a new bridge for the area.
Remembering “Sunshine”
Layna’s family described her as their “sunshine” — a bright, energetic little girl who loved animals, especially the cows on her grandparents’ farm, and who filled the house with her singing.
“Whether she was outside playing, helping on the farm, or singing a favorite song, Layna embraced life with an energy and happiness that will be deeply missed by everyone who loved her,” her family wrote in her obituary.
Layna was one of four children. Her funeral was held Saturday, September 5.
“Nothing can prepare you for having to say goodbye to your niece, your daughter, bonus daughter or whatever she was to us,” Lovings said. “Words can’t express how much we miss her and how we wish we could go back.”
A Family Trying to Keep Going
Layna’s mother, Rebecca Lovings, set up a GoFundMe to help cover an urn and household expenses after the family missed work in the days surrounding Layna’s death.
“You know accidents happen all the time and you just don’t think it’s going to happen to you,” Rebecca wrote. “We are so heartbroken we have lost our world and don’t know how to carry on with our lives.”
She said asking for help wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. “I don’t like asking for help but will need to swallow my pride as we need to get an urn for our beautiful baby girl,” she wrote. Despite the grief, Rebecca said she and her husband know they have to keep going — for their three other children, who depend on them every day.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Clark County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for further comment.
