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EAST PALESTINE -- The juvenile who was injured in a work accident at East Palestine City Lake Park has reportedly died from those injuries.
A Gofundme fundraiser to benefit the family of Austin Miller, created by family friend Staci Young, described the 17-year-old as a "hard working young man who cared deeply for everyone and made a huge impact on everyone he came in contact with." The post said Miller had an "unforgettable laugh that was one of a kind" and a love for the outdoors. The fundraiser is meant to "ease the burden for the family of the sudden death of Austin."
Miller was hospitalized following a mowing accident at the city lake around 11 a.m. Friday after a riding mower overturned and pinned the juvenile between the mower and the lake. A passerby saw the overturned mower and contacted the police department. With the assistance of a passerby, Lt. Don Johnson was able to move the mower and pull Miller from the water and begin CPR, prior to him being transported to the hospital by East Palestine EMS and placed on life support.
East Palestine Council opened its meeting on Monday with a prayer for Miller and his family, asking residents to keep both in their thoughts and prayers.
The village issued a statement shortly after Friday's accident through WRL.
"Our thoughts are with the injured employee and their family during this difficult time. We are working diligently to gather all the facts surrounding the incident and are supporting local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation," read the statement.
The statement also said the village would "provide additional updates and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address the situation," and asked for "patience and understanding" as the village continues "to assess the circumstances and determine the best course of action moving forward."
Emailed requests for a follow-up statement from WRL were not answered at press time.