Utah boy dies after tombstone falls on him

Carson Dean Cheney. Photo provided by his family

PARK CITY, Utah – A 4-year-old boy from Lehi, Utah died after a headstone fell on him Thursday evening.

Police say Carson Dean Cheney was at a private cemetery in Park City taking photos with his family when a large headstone somehow fell on him, causing fatal injuries.

“We’re unaware of why exactly the stone separated,” said Wade Carpenter, Park City Police Dept. “It sounds like he was standing behind or playing behind the stone when it came, when it fell backwards. The headstone separated from the footing, falling backwards and landing on the young boy.”

The boy’s family pulled the headstone off Carson and he was transported to Park City Medical Center where he later died.

Geri Gibbs, the boy’s grandmother, issued a statement Friday, saying, “This tragic accident has taken the life of our energetic, sweet, beloved little boy, Carson Dean Cheney. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers, but wish for privacy at this difficult time.”

Park City police are investigating the incident, but say it appears to be just a tragic accident.

A fund has been set up at Zion’s Bank locations under the ‘Zac Cheney Donation Fund’ to help pay funeral expenses.

Story by Brittany Green-Miner fox13now.com