At a Glance
- A 6-year-old boy was struck by a landscaping truck while riding his scooter near his family’s apartment in LaGrange, Georgia.
- The incident happened on Jan. 15, 2026 and left the child, Macree Snelling, dead.
- A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $10,000 for the family, and a Spider-Man-themed funeral is planned.
Why it matters: The tragedy underscores the risks posed by heavy equipment on residential streets and shows how quickly a community can rally to support a grieving family.
On Jan. 15, 2026, a 6-year-old boy was fatally injured when a landscaping truck struck him while he rode his scooter just a few feet from his family’s apartment in the Whispering Pines Apartment complex. The accident left Macree Snelling dead and sent shockwaves through the local community. The boy’s mother, Latouris Bell, organized a GoFundMe in his memory and has been speaking to the media about the impact of the loss.
The Tragic Incident
The crash occurred in LaGrange, a city in Troup County, Georgia. According to ABC affiliates WSB-TV and WTVM, the truck was on a routine landscaping job when it collided with the boy on his scooter. Bell said she was preparing for work when her 9-year-old son, who witnessed the incident, rushed inside and told her what happened. The boy was described by his mother as an “energetic kid that always had energy and was on the go,” and she said he would “brighten up the room when he walked in” and “make you laugh.”
“[This] feels like it’s an out-of-body experience,” said Latouris Bell. “This is a nightmare.”
Family Response
Bell has taken several steps to honor her son’s memory. She set up a GoFundMe page that has raised nearly $10,000 as of the morning of Jan. 20, 2026. The fundraiser includes messages from neighbors and friends who want to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. Bell said, “He will be deeply missed by his family and community,” via the online fundraiser.
The family also plans a special Spider-Man-themed funeral, reflecting the boy’s favorite superhero. WSB-TV and WTVM reported that the funeral will incorporate Spider-Man imagery and music, and that friends and relatives will be invited to share memories. The event is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, though the exact date has not yet been announced.
Accident Details
The crash took place in LaGrange, Georgia, at the Whispering Pines Apartment complex. The boy was riding a scooter just a few feet from his family’s apartment when a landscaping truck collided with him. The truck was on a routine landscaping job, according to local TV stations. The accident occurred on Jan. 15, 2026.
The GoFundMe Campaign
The mother organized a GoFundMe page in her son’s memory. The fundraiser has raised nearly $10,000 as of the morning of Jan. 20, 2026. The page includes messages from neighbors and friends who want to help cover funeral costs. The mother says she will keep his memory alive through this effort.
Funeral Plans
The family plans a special Spider-Man-themed funeral. The event will incorporate Spider-Man imagery and music, reflecting the boy’s favorite superhero. Friends and relatives will be invited to share memories. The funeral is scheduled for the coming weeks, though the exact date has not yet been announced.
Community Vigils
Neighbors have organized vigils to honor the boy. The community has shared messages of support on social media and local forums. The vigils demonstrate how residents can come together in times of tragedy. The support shows the strength of the local community.
Local TV Coverage
WSB-TV and WTVM, ABC affiliates, reported the incident on the same day. The stations provided statements from the mother and details of the accident. The coverage helped bring attention to the tragedy and the family’s fundraising efforts. The local stations continue to provide updates as the story develops.
School Support
Callaway Elementary School, where Macree Snelling attended kindergarten, has responded with compassion. The school’s principal issued a statement offering counseling services to students and staff. Troup County Schools also announced that counseling would be available for students following the incident.
School Counseling Details
Troup County Schools said counseling would be available for students following the incident. The school’s principal said they will hold a memorial board in the hallway where students can write notes. Teachers have organized a small tribute event during recess. The counseling aims to support students’ emotional well-being.
Key Takeaways
- The accident highlights the need for better safety protocols for landscaping and construction equipment near residential areas.
- A community’s rapid response-through fundraising, memorial planning, and counseling-shows how collective action can help grieving families.
- Schools play a critical role in providing emotional support to students after traumatic events.
The loss of Macree Snelling has left an indelible mark on LaGrange, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of looking out for one another. As the family prepares for the upcoming funeral, the community continues to offer its love and support, ensuring that the boy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
