Corbin toddler killed at family get together

A tragic vehicle accident claimed the life of a Corbin toddler Sunday.
“It was just a tragic accident that’s about all you can say,” said Sheriff Lawrence Hodge, who investigated the accident.
Ryan Dean, 20-months-old, died at the University of Tennessee Medical Center Sunday evening.
Hodge said Dean was with his parents at a Memorial Day weekend get together at Fate Cox’s farm near Wolf Creek when the child apparently wondered away from family members.
A man, who was backing up a van to make room for more vehicles to park, hit the child.
The child was rushed to Jellico Community Hospital by a personal vehicle, and was immediately flown to Knoxville where he later died.
The accident happened about 2 p.m. Sunday, and Hodge said he was notified about it around 2:41 p.m.
No criminal charges will be filed.
“It was just a bad, terrible accident. It was all family. Everyone was kin to everyone,” Hodge said. “We’ve all been around kids, and they get away from you. It was just a tragic accident. I feel sorry for the boy, who was driving. I don’t know how you get over that. I don’t know how the parents will get over that, or the grandparents. I’ve worked some bad ones, and it was a bad one.”
Funeral services are planned for 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Brian Rountree officiating.
Burial will follow at the Wolf Creek Cemetery.
Dean is survived by his parents, George and Melinda Dean of Mauney Chapel Road.
Croley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.