Authorities in Maryland say a 5-year-old boy was killed and other children were injured when a bounce house went flying into the air during a baseball game.
The tragic freak accident happened during Friday night’s Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game in Waldorf, according to Charles County officials. press release.
Emergency dispatchers received the first call from Regency Furniture Stadium at about 9:20 p.m., reporting that a “moon bounce house with children inside had been blown into the air by a gust of wind.”
The inflatable ride was lifted approximately 15 to 20 feet into the air and children were dropped to the ground before the ride landed back on the playing field.
Paramedics who were already on the field for the game, baseball team trainers and “several volunteer paramedics who were on scene” began treating the victims, according to county officials.
One juvenile suffered “serious, life-threatening injuries” and was transported to a hospital by Maryland State Police, where he was later pronounced dead.
A second pediatric patient was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the release said.
The deceased victim was later identified as Declan Hicks of La Plata, the La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading organization announced in a Facebook post.
The La Plata Blue Knights Football & Cheerleading organization would like to take this opportunity to mourn the loss of #9…
Contributor La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading upon Sunday, August 4, 2024
“The La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading organization mourns the loss of #9 Declan Hicks, a member of our flag football team who passed away far away. [too] “Following Friday’s incident at Blue Crabs Stadium, immediate action is needed,” the local sports organization said in a statement.
After offering their condolences, organization officials said the La Plata Blue Knights would dedicate their upcoming fall season “in memory of Declan.”
“All flag players and cheerleaders will wear patches and all tackle football players will wear his number on their helmets,” the team said in a statement.
Additionally, teams in the Southern Maryland Youth Athletic Conference (SMYAC) have also offered to let their players wear Declan’s jersey number.
“Rest in peace Declan, always in our hearts and forever a Blue Knight.”
Charles County Commissioners Chairman Reuben B. Collins also offered his condolences, saying, “Our deepest sympathies go out to the children and their families during this difficult time.”
“We’re grateful to the emergency responders and Maryland State Police who acted quickly to ensure the children received immediate medical treatment,” he added.
Courtney Nichel, general manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, added to the Charles County statement, “Our entire organization sends our condolences to the family who lost a child and our hearts go out to the child who was injured.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them,” she continued, adding that the baseball team canceled Saturday’s game and was offering “counseling and support to the families, players and fans who attended the game.”
South Potomac Church in White Plains also acknowledged Declan’s unfortunate death, announcing that he was the grandson of a church member.
“As some of you may already know, we are heartbroken to announce that Declan, grandson of Elders Bill and Kathleen Young, passed away in a very tragic accident Friday night at Blue Crabs Stadium,” the church said in a statement. statement“Please pray for the Young family and the entire SPC family. When one mourns, we all mourn.”
a GoFundMe The event, organised on behalf of Declan’s mother Sarah Hicks, described Declan as a much-loved pupil at Blessed Lambs Preschool.
“He was a very special boy who brought light and laughter to all who got to know him. To know him was to love him. He was a great friend and was popular with the other children in his 4-year-old class as well as his teachers. Our hearts break for his family and our school family,” wrote fundraiser organizer Tiffany Goudy.
