4-year-old and great-grandmother die in Indiana farm accident
Maverick Flinn and Nancy Fox lost their lives in a farming incident that shook Seymour, Indiana—prompting an outpouring of support and a safety campaign in the boy’s name.
A farming accident in southern Indiana claimed the lives of 4-year-old Maverick Flinn and his 68-year-old great-grandmother, Nancy Fox. Their small town rallied to honor their memory, finish the family’s harvest, and launch a new safety initiative.
What began as a joyful day riding the combine with his great-grandfather ended in a deadly accident for Maverick Lee Flinn, age 4, and his great-grandmother, Nancy Ann “Nanny” Fox. On June 23, in Seymour, Indiana, both were killed in a tragic incident involving a farm tractor.
Maverick, known for his big smile and love of toy tractors, had been enjoying a ride on the family’s farm. But when they dismounted from the equipment, something went wrong. In an instant, the young boy and his great-grandmother lost their lives.
Community steps in to help
News of the accident spread quickly through the small farming town, prompting a wave of support. Neighbors arrived with food and farming equipment, and they banded together to complete the Flinn family’s wheat harvest—finishing what would normally take nearly two weeks in just one day.
“They brought food and brought equipment,” said Maverick’s uncle, Zach Flinn. “They harvested 12 days’ worth of wheat in 24 hours.”
A GoFundMe created in Maverick’s name—originally meant to raise $5,000 for a memorial playground—has surpassed $70,000. The response has been a clear sign of how much the boy and his family meant to their community.
Remembering Maverick and “Nanny”
Maverick’s obituary described him as joyful and energetic, always ready for fun whether he was racing monster trucks, playing soccer, or spending time at the fire station with his dad.
His great-grandmother Nancy, 68, was described as a devoted family woman who loved working on the farm and preparing meals for long days in the fields. Her family wrote that she “was welcomed into Heaven with the biggest hug from her great-grandson, Maverick.”
The Flinn family, who have deep ties to public service—both Maverick’s father and grandfather are firefighters—are hoping to turn their loss into action. They’re encouraging farmers to take a “Maverick Minute,” a 60-second pause to check surroundings before operating farm equipment.
Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones is among those expected to attend Maverick’s funeral on June 30.
“We’re going to continue on in his honor,” said Zach Flinn. “We’re going to keep farming. We’re going to try to make sure this never happens again.”
One moment changed everything for the Flinn and Fox families—but their hope is that Maverick’s memory will make farms across the country a little safer.
