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PARK CITY — A year ago, 4-year-old Carson Cheney was killed when a historic tombstone fell on top of him.
The accident spawned support from people around the world. Carson's parents are now returning that kindness and remembering their son, who loved Hotwheels cars. Their gifts are being sent worldwide.
"It's hard to know what to do when we're trying to honor him," said Zac Cheney, Carson's father.
On July 5, the Cheney family met with friends in the historic Glenwood Cemetery to take photographs.
"One of the final pictures that we took of him up there in the cemetery before the accident happened, he had a car clenched in his hand," Zac Cheney said.
As they wondered what to do to celebrate his life one year later, Carson's mother, Hilary, had the idea to put messages about Carson on Hotwheels and Matchbox cars and place them where other children could find them.
"It's just something that we know would bring a smile to Carson's face," Zac Cheney said. "We just wanted to help spread that joy to other kids who might find those cars."
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4-year-old boy dies after headstone falls on him
A 4-year-old Lehi boy died after a 100-year-old headstone fell on top of him. The boy was with his family at the historic Glenwood Cemetery in Park City when the accident occurred.Many have posted comments and photos on the family Facebook page like about discovering the cars at parks, playgrounds and other locations.
Zac Cheney wears a blue and white wristband in honor of his son's favorite racer: it reads "Carson Strong." Hundreds, perhaps thousands, have found tiny cars scattered across England, the Philippines and elsewhere.
"I'm grateful that God gave me nearly 5 years of having Carson physically in my life," Hilary Cheney wrote on her blog. "He taught me a lot of things and has made me a better person. I pray that I may have the Courage to endure to the end and be with my Carson again."
The Cheneys said they are grateful for the Facebook postings and comments and hope Carson's accident can serve as a warning for families to be careful when visiting historic cemeteries.
