Tragedy as nine-year-old boy is fatally struck by car while playing outside

Published: 03:05, 21 April 2026 | Updated: 03:05, 21 April 2026 A nine-year-old boy was tragically killed in Ohio after he was struck by a car while playing baseball outside. Samuel Rife was hit by a 2025 Jeep Wrangler on Friday while grabbing a baseball from Peachwood Way in Green, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. The Summit County Sheriff's Office said the driver of the Jeep was an 81-year-old man. Neither speed nor impairment appeared to be a factor, according to officials. On that tragic afternoon, the third grader was outside his home around 4.30pm while his mother, Madeline, was inside. The mother told the Beacon Journal that while she didn't see the accident, she rushed outside after hearing it. 'I went running outside,' Madeline said. 'I didn't have my cell phone on me. One of my neighbors called 911 and helped with the first CPR attempts.' Samuel's father, The Rev. J. Harlen Rife, also said that neighbors and passersby tried to help. He was at a friend's house with his 7-year-old daughter, Marta during the time of the crash. Samuel Rife, 9, was hit by a 2025 Jeep Wrangler on Friday while grabbing a baseball from Peachwood Way in Green, Ohio Samuel, who was in the third grade, was taken to Akron Children's Hospital where he was later pronounced dead Following the accident, he was transported to Akron Children's Hospital, where he would later be pronounced dead, said officials. The Summit Metro Crash Response Team is still investigating the situation. Charges are pending the results of said investigation. Samuel's father told the outlet that their 'hearts also go out to the driver.' 'From what we understand, this was a really unfortunate accident. We understand they were devastated as well. We are still processing things, but we hope to meet with them,' the Reverend added. The boy's devastated town came together to mourn his death at a vigil held on Sunday. At the gathering, they also prayed for the driver, according to the outlet. Additionally, many have rallied together to raise more than $20,000 in honor of Samuel through GoFundMe. The Summit Metro Crash Response Team is still investigating the situation. Charges are pending the results of said investigation  Officials noted that they are still investigating the incident  The money will be donated to support Family Support Specialists at Green City Schools in memory of Samuel. 'Sam was a passionate supporter of food security for all and volunteered at local food distributions in Akron and Canton,' reads the GoFundMe. Online, hundreds of users gave their condolences and prayers for the family. 'So very tragic for everyone involved, first responders included, as well as the hospital staff that tried to save him. Prayers for all,' one user wrote online. 'What a tragic accident! My heart goes out to everyone involved. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to the family who lost their son and to the driver during this incredibly difficult time,' another added. 'Oh my gosh, prayers to the family. So devastating. Prayers to the driver as well. A kid ran into the side of my car while I was driving once. Thankfully, he only suffered a broken ankle. This stuff is traumatizing for all parties,' a third wrote. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.