11-year-old boy killed when go-kart overturns in upstate NY pond, pinning him underwater

An 11-year-old boy died in a freak go-kart accident when his kart flipped into an upstate New York pond and landed on top of him, trapping him underwater.

Parker Mitchell was driving a go-kart with his 8-year-old sister Teagan in Darien, New York, last Sunday when the pair’s kart rolled over into a nearby pond around 2:30 p.m., The Democrat and Chronicle reported. 

Parker Mitchell was driving a go-kart with his 8-year-old sister Teagan in Darien, New York on Sept. 6 when the kart rolled over into a nearby pond and landed on top of him. Facebook /Tracey Mitchell

The kart pinned Parker underwater. First responders pulled the preteen out of the pond and rushed him to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he died just a couple days before he was to start middle school, according to authorities. 

Parker’s sister Teagan, who was able to escape the wreck, was treated at the scene before returning to her family, local authorities said.

The boy, from Greece, New York, was a young athlete who played youth football and baseball and “had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome,” according to his obituary. 

His family remembered him as having a “curious spirit and a wonderful sense of adventure” and said he loved spending time with friends and family.

“He truly excelled at everything he did. He had a good heart, and his kindness left an impression on the people fortunate enough to meet him,” his obituary reads. 

The Greece, New York-native was remembered by family as a young athlete who played youth football and baseball and was just about to start middle school, according to an obituary.  GoFundMe

The young man was also a Buffalo Bills fan and loved playing video games and spending time in nature, his family remembered. 

“His life was short, but his impact will last forever,” his obituary said. 

Friends of the family have started an online fundraiser to assist them.