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Young girl killed by tombstone at church

DEEP GAP, N.C., June 11 (UPI) -- A 4-year-old North Carolina girl died after a tombstone at a church cemetery fell on top of her, officials said.

The girl, Peyton Townsend, was killed Friday night, just before she was to attend a vacation Bible school study at Mount Paran Church in Deep Gap, WSOC-TV, Charlotte, reported.

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Pastor Rick Cornejo said several children were running around in the church backyard Friday before Bible study.

The girl was standing on a headstone when a massive cross fell on top of her, crushing her, Cornejo said.

Church members said they are in shock.

"There's no more smiling or thinking of good things after this," said church member Seth Miller. "You're just thinking, 'oh my God, someone died here.'"

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