OMG Wisewoman! Dont mean to hijack your thread here but this brings back memories! This happened to a family member on hubbies side years ago. Only it was out of negligence on the fathers part. He and the woman he was having an affair with were off somewhere and he left the key in the rider mower . His daughter got on there turned the thing on and then slid off it . This was before there were safety features ! She was 3 and a half! She didnt make it. I am sorry to hear about your buddy. That is really sad. But I am glad that he is still alive and you can enjoy eachothers company. That is the best thing that came out of this whole thing!