Family Experiences Terrible Tragedy When 'Miracle' Twin Dies in 'Freak Accident

A 5-year-old from just outside Cincinnati, Ohio, was killed in what is being called a "freak accident" when playing with his twin brother in their home Monday, Cincinnati.com reported.

(Photo via Tufts Schildmeyer)

Christian and Griffin Shelton defied odds when they were born April 11, 2008, at 23 weeks -- that's about 17 weeks too early -- and making it through 109 days in the hospital. The twins also had cerebral palsy, but otherwise had lived happy healthy lives.

The pair were playing when Christian became stuck and unable to breath between the couch and a chair Griffin had put in the recline position.

Cincinnati.com reported Warren County Coroner's Office Investigator Ron Robertson saying Griffin tried to help his brother but could not move the chair.

“It’s actually just a terrible tragedy,” Robertson said. “Other than a freak accident, there’s really no other explanation.”

The boy's father, Matt Shelton, tried to resuscitate his son when he found him and called 911. Matt Shelton was reportedly scheduled to be sworn in as a firefighter for Hamilton Township this week.

“Matt did everything he possibly could,” the boy's aunt Jackie Kneipp told The Enquirer, according to Cincinnati.com, saying the boys were the family's "miracles."

As for his surviving twin brother, Kneipp said Griffin knows Christian is in heaven but doesn't know exactly how he died. She said the parents of the boy are in shock.

“They were best friends. They just loved each other. Christian just lit up. Griffin was a lot more mobile and was constantly playing with things around him and playing with him. He just loved Griffin,” Kneipp said, according to Cincinnati.com.

Christian is survived by both his twin and younger brother, Grayden, his parents, grandparents and many other extended family members.

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