Community raises thousands for family after 13-year-old killed in Green parade accident

GREEN, Ohio (WJW) - Family and friends are remembering 13-year-old Matthew Schultz after he was killed in an accident during the Memorial Day parade in Green on Monday. Just one day after the accident, the community is coming together in support of the family and for those who knew him best. "I'm speaking on behalf of the Schultz family who is experiencing an unimaginable heartbreak after the tragic loss of their beautiful beloved son Matthew." While the family continues to mourn in private, their close friends arspoke on their behalf during a news conference in Green on Tuesday morning. "The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out with love and support and prayers, all the support over these few days," family spokesperson Danielle Paciorek said. Flags now flying at half staff throughout the city of North Canton in honor of the 13-year-old killed after falling off a parade float. He is being remembered as a bright light full of curiosity, laughter and love. He had a passion for Star Wars and his favorite snack in the world was Fruit Roll-Ups. North Canton City Schools declined to comment on the tragedy, saying in a statement that they are focusing on supporting students and staff during this difficult time. In addition to grief counselors at North Canton High School, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help ease the family's burden of funeral expenses and bills -- allowing them to focus more, friends said, on healing. "Matthew's absence leaves a hole that can't be filled, but his spirit will live on in everyone he touched." Grief counselors are being made available until 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Details on funeral arrangements have not yet been released, but services will more than likely be held at Christ the Servant Parish where Matthew was an alter server.