Post Date: 05/17/2017
Todd Heap, a former tight-end in the NFL now living in Arizona, was moving a truck in the driveway at his home in April of this year and accidentally killed his daughter, Holly, who was 3 at the time. She would have turned 4 on Wednesday, May 3.
In tribute to Holly, Todd and his wife Ashley asked people to think of May 3rd as “Hugs from Holly Day” and help to spread kindness in their interactions with others. On the Hugs from Holly website, they explain, “Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious. Let’s spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly’s honor on her birthday.”
Unfortunately, this type of accident, while rare, happens with some frequency. According to Janette Fennell – founder and president of KidsandCars.org – said at least 42 children were killed in a similar manner in 2016, a type of collision known as a “front over.” More than 800 children have died in such accidents in the last 20 years. She cites a “blind zone” of six to eight feet, with it being most problematic in tall pickup trucks and SUVs.
Todd was well regarded in his career with the NFL where he played for the Baltimore Ravens and later for the Arizona Cardinals. After Holly’s death, there was an outpouring of compassion and support from many friends and associates from within the sports world. Here’s a touching recent tribute from Scott Van Pelt on ESPN: