LAKE DELTON, Wis. -- A 14-year-old boy disabled by musclar dystrophy who insisted on being strapped to a horse for a ride with his parents was dragged to death when the horse bolted.
Witnesses said Mark Dadich, of Bolingbrook, Ill.,twas dragged for about a half mile through the woods Wednesday.
He died in a Madison hospital about 4 hours after the accident.
The horse 'was spooked,' said a police officer. 'It really took off.'
The boy was vacationing with his parents, Mary and Ronald Mayer, and four younger brothers and sisters. They decided to go horseback riding and Markinsisted on being strapped to a horse.
Police Chief Fred Bayer said the horse, which was in the habit of lying down without notice, did so about a half mile up the trail.
The Mayers, who were leading ponies ridden by two 5-year-old twin daughters, jumped off their horses and ran screaming toward theirtson.
The commotion caused the horse to bolt, authorities said, with the boy hanging headfirst from the saddle.
The Mayers' horses also bolted, all three 'going full speed toward the corral,' said a witnesses.
Health officials said it was not unusual to tie a handicapped person to a horse, but the horse always should be led by someone and someone else should walk beside the rider
