A young girl in southeast St. Joseph County is dead after a gate fell on top of her.
County police and first responders were called to a home in the 10000 block of Martindale Rd. at about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to a report from the St. Joseph County Police Department.
An initial investigation suggests that 9-year-old Chelsie Hill was trying to cross a gate when it became dislodged and fell on top of her. This caused Hill to fall awkwardly. Eventually, she was discovered by an older brother unconscious and not breathing.
Family members of Chelsie Hill were trying to resuscitate her before officers arrived, but it was unsuccessful. Hill was pronounced dead at the scene when first responders from the Madison Township and South Bend Fire Departments tried to resuscitate her.
The cause of death will be determined later by the St. Joseph County Coroner’s Office once an autopsy is completed.
