While playing in a grain wagon, Ayla, 4, got stuck.
Despite being quickly airlifted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, she later died.
The tragedy struck just as her grandfather, Steve Wollyung was about to complete the final harvest at his farm.
He had 112 acres left, but with the death of his granddaughter, that task seemed monumental.
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The day after the accident, a family friend, Tara Henry found out what happened and got to work.
She first called Carmen, Wollyung’s wife to see if the harvest had been done.
When Carmen said no, Tara found a few other farmers in the area who had finished their work and were willing to help.
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Word spread. Soon over 60 people – from several countries – offered their equipment and time.
On Saturday, they all showed up at Wollyung’s farm.
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They came with their combines, grain carts, and semis.
Other people brought drinks, soup, snacks, and sandwiches.
At 10 am, after saying a quick prayer, they got to work.
They also brought a sense of community and emotional support for the grieving family.
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Wollyung was grateful that so many people came to help.
By 5 pm, they had harvested 18,643 bushels, and the harvest was done!
Tara said that even though there were a lot of tears, it felt good to help the family.
Showing this level of support is quite typical of the Indiana farming community.
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Wollyung hopes that as the word of this story spreads, so does the awareness about the dangers of children playing on farms.
Share away, people!
