FAIRBANKS, IOWA – A boy just 22-months-old died in an accident on a farm in Buchanan county, Iowa this weekend.
On Saturday, August 06, 2016 at approximately 9:50 AM, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 report of an accident with injuries at a residence located in the 1100 block of Fairbank-Amish Blvd east of Fairbank. The accident was reported to have involved a tanker truck and young child.
Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. According to the investigation, a 2009 Peterbuilt truck owned by Stewart Dell Inc. and operated by Eric Gilliam, age 38 of Cedar Rapids, was at the residence and was preparing to leave. As Gilliam began to move forward, Samuel Helmuth, 22-months-old, who resided at the residence, ran in front of the truck and was struck by the driver-side front tire. Gilliam was unable to see the child due to a blind spot caused by the nose of the truck. The incident occurred in the driveway/yard of the residence. Samuel was pronounced dead at the scene.
At this time, the incident appears to be completely accidental and no charges are pending. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Fairbank Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, along with the Buchanan County Medical Examiner.
Very sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so very deeply sorry for the loss of your son.