Toddler killed in riding lawn mower accident

FERNDALE, Wash.

-- A grandfather riding a lawn mower accidentally killed his grandson Saturday when he inadvertently backed over him while mowing the lawn, the Bellingham Herald reported.

According to the Herald, the boy was two days shy of his second birthday when his 67-year-old grandfather accidentally backed over the boy while riding a John Deere mower at the boy's home north of Ferndale, Wash. The boy was instantly killed.

Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo told the Herald that evidence suggest the grandfather backed over the boy on accident, and he would not be charged with a crime. It is unclear if the boy was crushed or how else he may have died.

"It's what appears to be a tragic, freak accident," Elfo told the Herald.

The family's identity is being withheld to protect their privacy.