Officials say the 5-year-old suffered a severe head injury and later died at a hospital.
HARWINTON, Conn. — A 5-year-old Connecticut girl died after falling from a backyard playscape and suffering a serious head injury, authorities said. Emergency crews responded Sunday afternoon and transported the child by medical helicopter to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Town officials identified the child as Olivia Videtto, a kindergarten student at Harwinton Consolidated School. Her death has shaken the small northwestern Connecticut community and prompted an outpouring of condolences from local leaders, educators and residents. State police said the incident remains under investigation, although authorities reported that no evidence of criminal activity had been found. School officials have also mobilized support services for students and staff affected by the loss.
According to authorities, state troopers were called to a home on Laurel Road at about 1:45 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report that a child had fallen from a playscape. Emergency responders found Olivia suffering from a severe head injury. Fire department personnel and ambulance crews began treatment before she was transferred to a Life Star medical helicopter. The aircraft transported her to a hospital for advanced care. Officials initially worked to stabilize the child while investigators gathered information about the circumstances surrounding the fall. By early Monday, authorities learned that Olivia had died from her injuries. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took custody of her body as part of the standard death-investigation process. Investigators have not publicly released details about exactly how the fall occurred or from what height she fell.
Town leaders described the incident as a devastating loss for Harwinton, a community of roughly 5,700 residents. First Selectman Michael R. Criss said the sorrow surrounding Olivia’s death extended far beyond her immediate family. “There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow felt by our community,” Criss said. He noted that her loss was being felt by family members, friends, classmates, teachers and others who knew her. State police confirmed that detectives are continuing to review the circumstances of the incident. Investigators have not announced any findings regarding equipment conditions, witness accounts or other factors that may have contributed to the accident. Officials emphasized that the inquiry remains active even though no criminal conduct has been identified. Authorities have not said when a final investigative report might be completed.
Olivia was a student at Harwinton Consolidated School and had attended the district since preschool. Superintendent Fran Thompson said she was known throughout the school community for her enthusiasm and positive attitude. According to school officials, Olivia often spoke about how much she enjoyed attending school and spending time with teachers and classmates. Thompson said she embodied the spirit of the school and was widely liked by both students and staff. Following news of her death, district administrators assembled crisis-response resources to help students and employees cope with the tragedy. School leaders said counselors and support personnel were made available as families struggled to process the sudden loss of a young student. The response reflected the close-knit nature of both the school and the broader Harwinton community.
The death has also drawn attention to the emotional and procedural steps that follow a fatal accident involving a child. Authorities have not announced any charges, and none are expected based on information released so far. The medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause and manner of death. State police investigators are expected to complete their review and document the events leading up to the fall. Local officials have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while those processes continue. Community members have organized efforts to support the family as they face funeral arrangements and other expenses. Funeral and visitation services are scheduled for mid-June, according to information released by family members and supporters.
Friends, neighbors and educators have remembered Olivia as a curious and energetic child whose personality left a lasting impression despite her young age. Family members described her as observant and eager to interact with people around her. Those who knew her said she often asked questions, shared stories and greeted new people with enthusiasm. Thompson recalled that Olivia’s love of learning was evident in her daily interactions at school. Community members have posted messages of remembrance and support, reflecting the broad impact of her death. In a town where many residents know one another, the tragedy quickly became a shared experience of grief. Residents gathered online and in person to express sympathy and honor the memory of a child they said brought joy to those around her.
The investigation remains open, though authorities continue to report no signs of criminal wrongdoing. Funeral services are expected to take place in mid-June as family, friends and community members remember Olivia’s life and await the completion of official reviews into the accident.
Author note: Last updated June 7, 2026.