MORE: Funeral services set for 3-year-old boy killed in ‘freak accident’
“He lived a beautiful three years,” his grandfather said. “God sent him to do a job and that was make everyone happy. He did that. That boy always had a smile.”
Minor paused then added: “Being with him was the best three years of my life.”
Nicholas’ life was cut short after a “freak accident” Feb. 24 at his grandparents’ home in the 4600 block of Shawnray Drive in Middletown.
Minor also was severely injured, and after having pelvic surgeries at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, he faces “a lengthy” rehabilitation at Atrium Medical Center, he said.
The accident occurred after Jon Marshall Jr., 48, of Middletown, took his car to the Minor residence, according to a police report.
When Marshall parked the car in the inclined driveway on Feb. 24, a brick was placed behind the left rear tire, according to the police report.
Marshall said when the car wouldn’t start, he tried to put the car in gear, and that’s when it rolled backward.
The car jumped the brick, then ran over Nicholas, who was playing in the yard, according to the accident report.
Minor said he tried to keep the car from hitting his grandson but both of them were run over by the vehicle.
MORE: Share memories or express condolences for Nicholas Minor
He crawled to the side yard to check on his grandson, who was covered in blood. Nicholas was transported to Dayton Children’s Hospital, where he died from brain injuries, his grandfather said.
“I would have done anything to save that baby, that child,” Minor said from his hospital room during a phone interview with the Journal-News.
Minor said he had legal custody of Nicholas after his parents were unable to provide proper care.
He said he hopes Nicholas’ death draws people closer to God.
“He can’t come to us,” Minor said. “But he’s in Heaven so we can go to him.”
Visitation for Nicholas is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home, 6850 Roosevelt Ave., Middletown. The celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Scott Johnson officiating.
Interment will take place at Woodside Cemetery.
Minor said he will be at his grandson’s funeral services, even if he has to use a wheelchair.
A GoFundMe account was established by some family members. Minor offered to pay for all of the funeral expeses but the family said that was not necessary.
Nicholas is survived by his parents, Chris and Angie Minor of Middletown; siblings, Matthew Minor, Kennith and Jennifer Wild; maternal grandparents, Kennith and Joyce Smith of Morrow; maternal great grandmother, Anna Griffieth of Morrow; and paternal grandparents, Mark and Jennifer Minor of Middletown.
Memorial contributions may be made to Life Connection of Ohio, 40 Wyoming St., Dayton, OH 45409 or to Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home in memory of Nicholas Minor.
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