The Accident
At approximately 7:40 p.m., local deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department responded to an emergency call on the family’s property, just north of Seymour. According to the department’s statement, Maverick had asked to ride in the combine with his great‑grandfather, an activity he had long enjoyed and that “was in his blood,” as his uncle, Zach Flinn, would later remind reporters. As the machine came to a stop, both Maverick and his great‑grandmother disembarked—and were tragically struck by the vehicle moments later.
Deputies and first responders—including Jackson County EMS, the Redding Volunteer Fire Department, and the Seymour Fire Department—worked swiftly at the scene. Maverick was rushed to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His great‑grandmother, Nancy Fox, was airlifted to a regional trauma center but succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25.
Sheriff Rick Meyer expressed the department’s sorrow:
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all involved. We are conducting a full investigation to understand exactly what happened.”
Remembering Maverick and “Nanny” Fox
Maverick Lee Flinn was known for his boundless energy, curiosity, and innate connection to farm life—a legacy passed down through generations. In interviews, his uncle Zach described a boy who “never met someone he didn’t want to give a hug to,” and whose “bright smile and kind spirit touched everyone he met.” According to Maverick’s obituary, “God’s child had the brightest smile, a heart full of love, and gave the very best hugs.”
His great‑grandmother, Nancy Ann Fox, affectionately known as “Nanny,” was a matriarch of the family and a pillar of the community. Her devotion to her descendants and her warm, nurturing presence made her a beloved figure not only within her family but among neighbors and friends who often sought her advice and homemade pies. Together, Maverick and Nanny shared a special bond—one built on laughter, storytelling, and shared afternoons spent among the fields
Community Response and Support
News of the accident spread quickly, and within hours, an outpouring of grief and support enveloped the Flinn family. A GoFundMe campaign set up on behalf of Maverick’s immediate relatives exceeded its initial $5,000 goal within days, ultimately raising over $70,000 to assist with funeral expenses and to create a lasting memorial in Maverick’s honor
Local businesses, churches, and civic groups rallied to offer meals, childcare, and counseling services—all intended to ease the burdens faced by the grieving family. At a community vigil held under the old oak tree on the farm, dozens of neighbors lit candles, shared memories, and embraced one another in shared sorrow. One longtime family friend remarked, “In times like this, you see what faith and community really mean.”
“Maverick Minute”: A New Safety Reminder
In the wake of the tragedy, safety advocates have emphasized the importance of vigilance around large farm machinery. The Flinn family, in collaboration with local extension agents, has launched the “Maverick Minute” initiative—encouraging every farmer and farm family to take at least sixty seconds before operating equipment to scan their surroundings, communicate positions, and ensure no one is nearby.
Posters bearing Maverick’s smiling face and the words “Take the Maverick Minute” are now displayed at equipment sheds, grain elevators, and on the barns of neighboring farms. A short video featuring Zach Flinn demonstrating how to perform a quick safety check has been circulated on social media and through local 4‑H clubs. “If just one life can be saved because of this reminder,” Zach said, “then Maverick’s spirit will keep working the fields, guiding us even now.”
Investigation and Lessons Learned
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the accident. Authorities are examining factors such as the combine’s safety features, visibility conditions at dusk, and whether standard dismount procedures were followed. No conclusions have been drawn about liability; the primary goal remains preventing future tragedies.
Experts note that farming accidents involving children often occur when youngsters are allowed near heavy equipment without adequate supervision or when routines become so familiar that even seasoned adults let their guard down. The National Safety Council reports that farm machinery is one of the leading causes of child fatalities on farms nationwide. In response, agricultural safety programs are intensifying outreach, partnering with rural schools and community centers to reinforce safe practices
A Legacy of Love and Caution
Though the Flinn farm will never be the same without Maverick’s laughter or Nanny Fox’s gentle guidance, their memories are being honored in tangible ways. Plans are underway to build a memorial playground on the family property—complete with slides, swings, and a small tractor-themed play structure, where children can safely learn about farm life and where families can gather to celebrate the joys of rural living.
The “Maverick Minute” initiative and the playground project represent more than just memorials; they are commitments to safeguarding the next generation, ensuring that no other family endures the same heartbreak. As Sheriff Meyer aptly summarized at the vigil, “We honor Maverick and Nancy not by dwelling solely on grief, but by moving forward with vigilance, compassion, and community spirit.”
Conclusion
The loss of four‑year‑old Maverick Lee Flinn and his great‑grandmother, Nancy Ann “Nanny” Fox, is a stark reminder of both the beauty and the hazards inherent in farm life. Their tragic deaths have ignited a wave of support, solidarity, and renewed focus on safety that stretches far beyond Jackson County. Through the “Maverick Minute,” a memorial playground, and a community’s unwavering love, their legacy will continue to protect and inspire. In honoring their memories, southern Indiana has found both sorrow and strength—and a powerful resolve to keep every child safe where the fields meet the horizon.
