Harper Finn, a 5-year-old girl residing in Altamont, Illinois, experienced severe injuries in a devastating incident at the Effingham County Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 30, 2023. The unfortunate accident occurred while Harper Finn was at the fairgrounds with her grandmother to watch a horse harness racing event. During the event, an extended starting gate connected to a pace car accidentally struck her in the head as it passed the grandstand.
After the accident, Harper Finn received immediate medical attention at a local hospital before being airlifted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Currently, she remains in critical condition at the hospital.
Harper Finn GoFundMe
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association has established a GoFundMe page to support Harper Finn’s family with medical expenses. As of August 1, 2023, the page has successfully raised over $56,000.
The Effingham County Fair Board and local authorities are actively investigating the cause of the accident. They have also extended their thoughts and prayers to Harper and her family during this difficult time.
The Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association set up the page to aid Harper’s family with the medical expenses. Presently, she remains in critical condition at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. As of August 1, 2023, the page has gathered over $56,000 in donations.
Harper Finn Accident | Harper Finn is still alive ?
Yes, Harper Finn is still alive. The Harper Finn accident occurred on Sunday, July 30, 2023, during a horse racing event at the Effingham County Fairgrounds in Altamont, Illinois. Harper Finn, a 5-year-old girl, was eagerly preparing for the upcoming Little Misses show scheduled for Tuesday night and was excited to walk the catwalk. Accompanied by her grandmother, she was looking forward to attending the harness races on that Sunday afternoon.
However, at around 1 p.m. on July 30, a sudden and unforeseen incident took place. A building located on the far right side of the track collided with the starting gate attached to a pace car used for the harness racers. This collision caused the starting gate to extend into the grandstand, resulting in injuries to spectators in the stands. Tragically, Harper’s grandmother was holding her when the fence came crashing down, and she was torn from her arms during the incident. Harper Finnsuffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident.
Following the tragic accident, the severely injured child received immediate attention from paramedics and was swiftly transported by ambulance to Effingham’s HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. Subsequently, she was airlifted by a medical evacuation helicopter to St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
On Monday, Phil Hartke, president of the Effingham County Fair Board, reported that Harper’s condition was critical. As the tractor and truck pulls were about to commence at the fairgrounds that night, he requested a moment of silence and prayers for Harper Finn. The event turned into a deeply touching and emotional moment.
Hartke mentioned that the Pace car driver was well acquainted with the starting line, and fortunately, no other spectators in the grandstand were injured in the incident.
Read More: Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home