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Davis Journal

Community mourns and remembers Macie Hill

Jul 12, 2022 02:56PM ● By Tom Haraldsen

KAYSVILLE—The community continues its outpouring of love and support for the family of 8-year-old Macie Hill of Layton, who died after being hit by a vehicle during Kaysville’s Independence Day parade on Monday. Eyewitnesses said she was run over by the trailer towing a vehicle for the Patriot Cheer All Stars cheerleading team, for which Macie was a member, that was participating in the parade. Emergency responders and bystanders quickly rushed to her aid and she was transported to the Kaysville Fire Department and later to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.

The accident happened at 175 S. Main about 15 minutes after the parade began. Officials stepped in and immediately canceled the parade. Main Street in Kaysville remained closed for hours as police investigated the accident. Initial reports were unclear whether Macie came off the float or was trying to get up onto it when she fell to the ground and was hit.

As friends and family members reflected back on Wednesday morning, their thoughts turned to the young girl who loved cheerleading and making others happy. 

“Macie Hill, the brightest little light, was tragically taken from us in a devastating accident during the Kaysville Parade on the 4th of July. Macie was the youngest in her family and a princess to her three older brothers and her parents. Macie was full of life and showed joy and love to everyone,” read a statement on a GoFundMe page set up by Jennie Dopp, a family friend. As of Wednesday morning, donations totaled more than $104,000, far exceeding the goal of $50,000 set aside for funeral expenses and other costs. 

“Her Dad told me she died doing what she loved,” said Ryan Dopp, a family spokesperson and the bishop of their LDS Ward in Layton, in a TV interview. He said the family is devastated, still in shock, but also concerned for those who witnessed the accident as well as other members of the team.

Patriot Cheer Gym posted a statement on Instagram Tuesday night, saying it was “devastated by the loss of one of our strong, amazing, and inspiring athletes in this tragic accident. Macie’s amazing attitude, hard work and dedication were inspiring to the girls both older and younger. Macie was beloved by her coaches for her positive attitude, teammates for constantly encouraging others to keep going, and her extended gym family by always having a smile on her face. Macie was everyone’s friend, always welcoming new and old friends into the gym and to the sport she loved. Our hearts break for her parents who lost an amazing daughter, for her brothers who lost their little sister and for her teammates who lost their beautiful friend. Words cannot begin to express the impact this is having on all our families.” The gym held a private candlelight vigil for friends and family Tuesday night in her honor.

“My heart goes out to the Hill family of Layton for their heartbreaking loss today at the Kaysville parade,” said Layton Mayor Joy Petro. She said Macie’s loss “is felt so deeply by myself and our Layton community. This sweet little girl will forever be in our hearts and the joy she spread to all who knew her will never be forgotten.”

Those close to the Hill family offered their gratitude to those who came to Macie’s aid.

“The family would like to express their thanks to all of the first responders and members of the community who jumped in to help Macie,” the GoFundMe page said. “They would also like to thank the compassionate staff at Layton Parkway Hospital for the tender care they provided to Macie and to her family in the most devastating of circumstances.”

As of Wednesday morning, funeral arrangements had not been finalized. The Davis Journal will post information on the services once we learn of them on our website – davisjournal.com. λ