Trenton teen dies after being run over by minivan

By Carrie A. Mizell

A 13-year-old Trenton Middle-High School student, who was well-liked by his peers, died over the weekend after being run over while playing a game with his sisters in the family’s minivan.
Michael Anthony Dunn was reportedly standing or sitting on the back bumper of the family’s minivan while playing a game with his sisters on Saturday afternoon. The game reportedly involved the teenagers pulling forward and backing up the minivan in the family’s long driveway off Country Road 232.
Investigators from the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office could not determine whether Michael fell off, or jumped off before being run over by the minivan.
While the actual driver of the van at the time of the accident was not identified, Major Tony Smith of the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office indicated that neither one of the two family members involved was a licensed driver.
Once the 911-call came into the Sheriff’s Office just after 3 p.m. rescue personnel responded to the family’s home, which is at 370 SE 57th Court, where they found Michael lying unresponsive on the ground. Despite attempts to perform CPR, Michael was pronounced dead at the scene.
No charges will be filed in relation to this tragic accident, Maj. Smith added.
A seventh grade student who was actively involved in track and band, Michael maintained good grades and was popular among his fellow students, explained Lynette Langford, principal of Trenton Middle-High School.
“He was just a good kid,” Langford said.
The principal recalled Michael’s close relationship with his twin sister, Bethany, and said the two were often inseparable.
Word of the tragic accident spread quickly among TMHS students, despite the fact that students and faculty are on Christmas break.
Matthew George, who had been Michael’s friend since fourth grade, was one of many seventh grade students badly shaken by the news of Michael’s death.
“He was a nice guy and a good friend,” Matthew said.
The two shared a love for dirt bikes and track, as well as a passion for Jesus Christ.
At Matthew’s invitation, Michael attended a youth lock-in at First Baptist Church of Trenton earlier this year and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior the night of the event.
Knowing that Michael had a personal relationship with the Lord has given Michael’s friends great comfort in the knowledge that they will see him again one day.
A memorial service for Michael was held on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at Pine Grove Baptist Church.