Five-Year-Old Injured at Fair Sunday Dies From Her Injuries

Harper Finn, the five-year-old girl injured Sunday afternoon at the Effingham County Fair, has died from those injuries.

Harper, the daughter of Richard and Bethany Finn of Altamont, died at 6:49pm Wednesday at St. Louis Children's Hospital. That was confirmed by Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes, who spoke with the St. Louis Medical Examiner's Office.

The child was injured during the first race scheduled at this year's fair just after 1pm Sunday. The right side of the starting gate leading the field of horses to the starting line struck a fence north of the grandstand. The right side of the starting gate did not retract and went over the top of the front of the grandstand, striking the child. First aid was administered at the scene, then the child was taken by A-1 Ambulance of Altamont to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham. The girl was taken from the ambulance to an Arch Air helicopter and was flown to St. Louis Children's Hospital. 

The Effingham County Sheriff's Department has investigated the incident. In a statement released by the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Paul Kuhns said, "The investigation into the accident is being conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and is ongoing. We appreciate the public’s assistance and willingness to help in this investigation, and our deepest condolences go out to the Finn family and all of those involved."

The remaining schedule of racing at the fair this week was canceled. Harper was scheduled to be a part of the Little Miss event at the Effingham County Fair Queen Pageant. A special tribute to Harper was a part of Tuesday night's pageant.

A Go Fund Me account established for the family had raised more than $73,000 as of Thursday morning. You can find the account at: gofundme.com/f/m346t-the-finn-family