A tragic farming accident in Redding Township, Indiana, claimed the lives of 4-year-old Maverick Lee Flinn and his 68-year-old great-grandmother on June 23, 2025. Maverick was riding in a combine harvester with his great-grandfather when, while disembarking, both he and his great-grandmother were struck by a tractor. Maverick died at the hospital, and his great-grandmother passed away two days later.
“He was so energetic, so loving, never met someone that he didn’t want to give a hug to,” said Maverick’s uncle, Zach Flinn. The community quickly rallied—neighbors helped harvest wheat, a GoFundMe surpassed \$77,000, and a tribute called the “Maverick Minute” was introduced to encourage farm safety.
Indiana’s State Fire Marshal Steve Jones committed to attending Maverick’s funeral, recognizing the family’s firefighting legacy. Maverick’s obituary described him as a joyful child who loved church, tractors, and his baby brother.
Dozens of farmers paused their work in tribute, lining the road with tractors. A flag on one read, “Maverick Flinn riding tractors with Jesus.” One community member shared, “I felt God’s presence in Seymour driving through this…”
Maverick’s spirit lives on in love, safety, and a grieving but united town.