8-year-old boy dies after tombstone falls on him

LYNN, AR (KAIT) - Dec. 12 UPDATE: Investigators say an 8-year-old boy was climbing a tombstone when it fell on him.

Detective Jaime White of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office told Region 8 News that the boy was climbing a tombstone, dated 1906, shaped like a tree stump when it became loose.

White did not release the child's name, citing the boy's age.

An 8-year-old boy died in Lynn Saturday while attending a birthday party at a church.

According to Andrew Turner, a detective with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the boy was playing in a cemetery behind a church when a large tombstone fell on him.

The boy was taken to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Members of the church say the accident shocked the community.

"Just an eight-year-old rambunctious young man, just like many eight-year-old young men and full of life," said Jeff Neely, the church's pastor. "There is definitely a lot of prayer being sent up on behalf of their family."

Church members are planning to help the family financially in some way.

"Just trying to love them and let them know that we support them and trying to comfort them and give peace as best we can," said Neely.

Turner said he does not believe foul play is involved.

The child's name has not been released.

Region 8 News will have more information as details emerge. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute updates.

Copyright 2016 KAIT. All rights reserved.

Watch Region 8 News On Demand: On your Desktop | On your Mobile device

Region 8 News App - Install or update on your: iPhone | Android