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Who was Macie Hill? Cheerleader, 8, killed after being struck by vehicle during Fourth of July parade

According to a neighbor, Macie died from the severe injuries she suffered during the accident

The Fourth of July is a very special and auspicious occasion for Americans. It is the day when people spend their time with each other, go out to celebrate and kids have a lot of fun. However, the most unexpected events occur during the most exciting times. A tragic incident occurred during a Fourth of July parade in Utah, as an 8-year-old cheerleader named Macie Hill died after a float she was riding on was struck by a Hummer that was part of the procession. 

The parade took place in Kaysville, located 20 miles to the north of Salt Lake City. According to a neighbor, Macie died from the severe injuries she suffered during the accident. “She was the princess of the family, she was just an angel and she will be dearly missed,” said Ryan Dopp, the Hill family’s bishop who is serving as the family spokesperson. “This has been a devastating loss for our community. That’s a great testament to a little 8-year-old girl that can bring a community together like this.” He added “I think the family finds a little bit of peace in that she was doing what she loved, and she was just all smiles and all excitement all the way,” 

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Police had no new information or evidence related to the incident. Macie was the youngest member of her family and also had three brothers. “Macie was full of life and showed joy and love to everyone,” Jennie Dopp wrote. “Macie’s dad said she loved her Patriot Cheer team. She loved cheering and Macie passed away doing what she loved, being with her team.” The 8-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital immediately but the reminder of the parade was canceled due to the accident, although no one knows what exactly caused the unfortunate event. She was part of the Patriot Cheer All Stars cheerleading team in West Kaysville.

Shawna Dennis and her family were near the Kaysville fire station on Main Street watching the parade as they do every year. She said, “I don’t think people understood the seriousness of the situation at first". She saw Macie who was also present in the same parade, get run over by a yellow Hummer. "Immediately, like, I’m in shock, it was horrific, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. I glared up and I see a little girl that was laying on the ground in that little dance company, and the trailer, the back trailer, just ran over the top of her". Shawna made sure that her children did not become a witness to such a horrifying accident. 

According to KSTU-TV, the yellow Hummer involved in the crash was affiliated with the Patriot Cheer team. The family created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Macie's funeral and other costs and it has raised approximately $100,000 since it was started Monday night.