ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A 18-month-old boy has died after being run over by a front-end loader Wednesday afternoon, according to the Michigan State Police.
Police said the incident was reported at about 1:30 p.m. at a home located near Lacey Road and M-66, south of Nashville in Barry County.
Officials say the boy was outside with other family members when the incident happened. His father was moving a dog house in the family's yard with a skid steer while the mother helped.
The mother momentarily lost sight of the little boy. It was during that brief time the father backed up and accidentally ran him over with the machine, police said.
"The family member was using a skid steer, they were backing up, had a dog house on the front of it and anyone who has ever used a skid steer knows it can be difficult to see and hear what's going on around you," said Lt. Rick Pazder, Michigan State Police Wayland Post.
"A lot of times your attention is focused what's on the front end of that vehicle."
Investigators found no evidence of negligence and it is likely the father will not face criminal charges, according to police.
"It's just a terrible tragic accident today and for any parent it certainly does hit close to home," Pazder said.
The incident remains under investigation.
Michigan State Police troopers were assisted on scene by Life Care Battle Creek EMS and Johnstown Township Fire Dept.
