Harper Finn Horse Accident: Altamont girl dies following race accident at the Effingham County Fair.
The five-year-old girl injured on Sunday afternoon at the Effingham County Fair, has died from her injuries, Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes confirmed.
Harper Finn, the daughter of Richard and Bethany Finn of Altamont, died at 6:49pm Wednesday at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, authorities said.
Harper sustained injuries during the inaugural race held at this year’s fair, precisely at 1pm on Sunday. In an unexpected turn of events, the right side of the starting gate collided with a fence located north of the grandstand, just moments before the field of horses was set to make their way to the starting line. The right side of the starting gate failed to retract, resulting in a collision with the front of the grandstand and ultimately striking a child.
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At the scene, first aid was administered before the child was transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham by A-1 Ambulance of Altamont. In a swift operation, the young girl was swiftly transferred from the ambulance to an awaiting Arch Air helicopter, which promptly took her to the renowned St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
The incident has been investigated by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department.
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Harper was slated to participate in the renowned Little Miss segment of the prestigious Effingham County Fair Queen Pageant. Tuesday night’s pageant featured a special tribute to Harper.
“Dear Horse Racing Community, Today, our hearts were shattered when a tragic accident happened to a beloved little girl, Harper,” a GoFundMe page created to support The Finn Family read.
