SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Following a contentious dialogue regarding Haitian immigration in Springfield, Nathan Clark, the father of an 11-year-old boy who died in an accident involving a Haitian immigrant, called on the community to “stop the hate.”

Springfield has garnered attention in the media and was mentioned during Tuesday’s presidential debate after former President Donald Trump and GOP vice presidential candidate Ohio Senator JD Vance made unfounded claims that Haitian immigrants were involved in the abduction and consumption of pets in the area.

Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant, struck a Northwestern Local Schools bus with his minivan, causing it to overturn in 2023. Aiden Clark was thrown from the bus and tragically lost his life, with over 20 other students sustaining injuries. Joseph was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide, receiving a prison sentence between nine to 13.5 years.

Nathan Clark shared his thoughts at a Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday, expressing a wish that his son had been killed by a white man in his sixties.

“You probably didn’t expect someone to be so straightforward, but if that person had killed my 11-year-old son, all the hateful individuals would leave us alone,” Clark stated. “We do not need reminders of our worst day continuously forced upon us.”

Clark called for apologies from politicians, including Vance and Trump, who have mentioned his son’s tragic death. He criticized the use of his son’s name for political gain as “shameful.”

“They can spew all the vitriol they want regarding undocumented immigrants and the border crisis, even sharing false narratives about pets being harmed in our community. However, they have no right to speak about Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio. I demand to hear their apologies,” Clark declared.

He described Aiden as a young boy passionate about gardening and someone who sought to learn about various cultures to connect better with others. He urged the community to honor Aiden’s legacy by emulating his kindness, receiving applause from city officials and attendees.

“Do you understand how excruciating it is to be unable to protect your child? Even more painful is knowing we can’t safeguard his memory now that he’s gone. Please, stop the hate,” Clark implored.

Reported by Columbus Dispatch journalist Bethany Bruner.