Boy, 10, dies after falling from truck

The summer vacation is usually the best part of a student’s school year, when he or she would use the time for reflecting on the past terms, preparing for the upcoming year, but most of all having fun with family and friends.

That is no longer the case for 10-year-old Kingstown Park resident Chad Laidlow.{{more}}

The Petersville student died tragically after falling from the back of a pick up truck last Friday, July 11, just five minutes away from his home.

Police reports say that about 12: 15 p.m., Laidlow hopped the back of TK 593 (True Brothers) unknowingly to driver Oliver Thomas, of Richland Park.

Laidlow fell from the vehicle, hit his head and was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where he died some six hours later.



Charleen Laidlow (right), mother of Chad Laidlow who fell off a truck and died, holding her 18-month-old daughter Weslyn.

Speaking to Searchlight Newspaper on Tuesday, a grieving Charleen Laidlow said that she could not explain why her only son would hop a truck.

According to Laidlow, Chad was on his way to take his report card and book list to his father in Paul’s Avenue, when he met his fate.

His cousins first brought the news of what had happened.

“The next thing I get a call from his father saying ‘Chad dead’, but when I get to the hospital he was still alive.

“I tried to talk to him; I ask him what happen but he didn’t say anything. Tears was just running from his eyes.”

Laidlow, also the mother of an 18-month-old daughter, Weslyn, said that her son was eager to get his school books since he was looking forward to being in Grade Five.

He had dropped back from his average position in the top ten of his class to 28th this end of term, because of what his mother alleges as domestic problems which frustrated the youngster.

“Chad was a good boy. He was a little bit trouble sometimes but he was a good boy.”

His school report card reflected his mother’s statements, with teachers remarks indicating that Chad was ‘troublesome at times, yet loving and helpful’ and ‘Chad has the potential to produce quality work but needs to be a little more disciplined towards his work’.

The energetic child, who turned ten on June 5th this year, loved singing at school and used to help willingly with his baby sister and with chores around the home.

Young Chad will be sorely missed, not only at his home and neighborhood, but also at school.

“I can’t overcome losing him,” Charleen lamented, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”