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VENICE, Sevier County — A teenager from Sevier County died Saturday in an accidental hanging with a tetherball rope.
Maximus Knight, 13, was helping clean up at the end of the day at a family corn maze in Venice. The boy went missing but was found a short time later with the rope of a tetherball pole around his neck, according to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office.
Maximus was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Public safety dispatchers instructed those on scene in CPR until emergency crews arrived, said Sevier County Sheriff Sheriff Nathan Curtis. Deputies were able to get a pulse then rushed the boy to the hospital, but he died a few hours later.
Curtis said the incident is believed to have been an accident and there is no evidence of foul play or suspicious activity.
"Our hearts are broken, he was so bright, so beautiful, a most perfect example of kindness and service to his fellow friends and family. He was adventure and risk, he was joy and sweetness, he was tease and laughter, he was bravery and strength. He was love," family members said in a statement, urging people to "#BEElikeMax."
A GoFundMe account* was created by Maximus' aunt to help cover funeral and medical costs.
"Maximus was a beautiful, sweet and loving child who brought so much joy to his family and to his community. The youngest of his family, Maximus made every effort to impress his big brothers and care for those around him. Our hearts are broken as we struggle to make sense of this tragedy. We will forever mourn his passing," the post says.
Maximus was actively involved in the Knight family corn maze which brought "joy and togetherness" to the community, the site says.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
