By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Some things are so sad they are hard to talk about.
A 2-year-old child died in an apparent farm equipment accident on private property in rural Hartland Friday, March 15. Community wide thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Benjamin Albert Fenton, who was born on January 25, 2011, to Albert and Shelly Fenton of Matawan.
Whether we knew him or not, shock, and disbelief stay with all of us as we mourn the life of a young child taken so quickly. Today, the thoughts and prayers of the entire community go out to the parents.
The following information was gleaned from talking with the Freeborn County Sheriff's Department. The mother was ill and like most little boys, Benjamin was more than happy to go with his dad to work.
The incident took place at 32603 670th Avenue, rural Hartland, according to the Freeborn County Sheriffs' office. Initial reports indicated that a skid loader was involved.
Benjamin’s father was operating a Bob Cat skid loader and was moving snow for a friend. The cab was completely enclosed and at no time did Benjamin ever fall out, but instead was hit accidently in the head by the operating arm.
Albert Fenton was able to drive the child to the Hartland Fire Department while calling 911.
A Freeborn County Deputy said, "The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Department, the Hartland Fire Department, New Richland Ambulance and Gold Cross Ambulance crews all responded and provided medical assistance. They had called for a medical helicopter, but weather made its use impossible. Benjamin was taken to Mayo Health Systems in Albert Lea where he was pronounced dead.”
Only three years ago, the family lost another son in a tragic ATV accident.
