A 13-year-old Opp boy died tragically Saturday when a sports utility vehicle rolled over on him and crushed his chest.

The boy, an incoming ninth grader at Opp High School, was identified by friends and family as Jacob Harper.

Sheriff Dennis Meeks said the accident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on K.C. Lane, which is located off Horn Hill Road, near Opp.

“When deputies arrived, they found a Polaris Ranger overturned, with the boy underneath,” Meeks said.

He said deputies lifted the UTV off the child as emergency medical personnel arrived; however, Covington County Coroner Norman Hobson pronounced Harper dead at the scene.

Circumstances around the accident were not immediately clear; however, Meeks warned residents about the dangers of operating SUVs and ATVs.

“These vehicles are extremely dangerous, and caution should be used when operating,” he said. “If the vehicle is equipped with seat belts, they should be worn at all times, especially considering these things are operated just like a car but on rough road conditions.”

Harper was the son of Jeff and Jeanette Harper of Opp.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m., at Ino Baptist Church. Visitation will be held tonight from 6-8 p.m. at Wyatt Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the services.