Girl in hammock killed when pillar collapsed, police say

Authorities say a girl has died after a brick pillar collapsed onto a hammock at a Des Moines home Saturday.

The accident happened at 11:43 a.m. at a home in the 3500 block of Lincoln Place Drive.

A police report shows the hammock was on the east side of the home. It had one end attached to a tree and other to a brick column with a light post. The column was about 5 feet high and made of bricks.

Eren Sagun told authorities that she was in the hammock when her sister, Peri, jumped into it causing the column to collapse. The bricks collapsed onto Peri Sagun's head.

The girls' father attempted CPR and first aid until medics arrived. Peri was taken to Mercy Medical Center but died a short time later.

Peri was 13 years old and in 8th-grade honor student. She was supposed to graduate on next Wednesday from St. Augustin Catholic School where she has been a student since kindergarten.

"She dreamed about sunshine, college, and a career as an interior designer. The glow from Peri was felt when she entered a room, even to those who didn't know her. But anyone who knew her did and will always love her. Her energy, smile, and caring for those close to her will be what is most remembered," reads a statement from the school.

Police reported that the column was only in the ground a couple inches and was not reinforced.