Kids lift paralyzed man’s 1,000-pound tractor

The wheels were spinning, suspended in the air as the hot engine purred. Twenty-four-year-old Matt Parisi said he was panicked as his 1,000-pound tractor laid motionless, stuck in a ditch with him still in it.

It was a warm day at a new home on his lawn-mowing route. Parisi, who is partially paralyzed, said he did not know how he was going to get out.

“Usually I have someone out with me, but I was alone and stuck,” he said. “But then, I was rescued.”

Thirteen kids from the neighborhood, between 8 and 16 years old, jumped into action on June 12 when they found the Akron resident in trouble.

“My mom told me someone was stuck in the ditch so we went out there and tried to save him,” 16-year-old Codey Fortson said. “Then everyone else came and we got him out.”

Parisi said he could not believe the strength and kindness from the group. He added that the group freed him in less than 10 minutes.

“They all circled around, and this engine was still hot to the touch,” Parisi said. “And this thing isn’t light. The kids joked that it was as heavy as an elephant.”

Eight-year-old Chase Stewart showed off his muscles.

“I basically did it by myself,” he joked. “We lifted him up right over our heads.”

Chase and Fortson were joined by others – Joshua Thomas, 16; Raiden Felding, 13; Deshawn Thomas, 12; Tyler Ellington, 13; Keith Stewart, 12; Omar Lawler, 10; and AJ Mack, 10; and four other kids who live on the same road in Kent as well.

Parisi is partially paralyzed after a 2019 hit-and-run crash while he was riding his motorcycle one evening. He woke up in the hospital five days later and was given a 20% chance of walking again, but has regained some movement over time.

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” he said. “The accident happened for a reason, and now I want to inspire people. And I was stuck in this ditch for these kids to save and inspire other people.”

After they freed the tractor from the ditch, Parisi shared a picture of the group on Facebook. Since June 12, the post has been shared over 1,000 times with hundreds of comments thanking the kids.

Kory Dunaway, Raiden’s mother, said she was proud of the boys. She said she didn’t know about the good deed until her niece shared the post with her online.

“I was so overjoyed to see that they all came together and achieved something like that,” she said. “It was great to see how the kids band together. There are still good kids out there.”

Parisi reconnected with his rescuers Friday afternoon to pass out treat bags and ice cream sandwiches. As he drove up with his tractor, the kids clapped. He told the group he was grateful for their help.

“I just want to thank you guys,” he said. “You don’t what it means to me and what it means for you all to be part of this community.”

In return, Joshua Thomas said thank you for trusting the group’s strength.

The group said it felt good knowing Parisi was OK and urged other people to give a hand when someone is in need.

“They didn’t think twice about coming to help me,” Parisi said. “They have hearts of gold and really give me hope for the future.”

Reporter Molly Walsh can be reached at mwalsh@gannett.com