A tragic incident occurred on Friday night in Waldorf, Maryland, where a young child lost his life and multiple others sustained injuries during a baseball game. This occurred when a strong gust of wind lifted a bounce house into the air while children were inside playing.
The event took place at a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game. According to a press release from Charles County officials, first responders were promptly dispatched to the scene following the event.
Officials reported that the wind propelled the bounce house approximately 15 to 20 feet into the air, resulting in children falling out before it landed on the baseball field.
One of the injured children, identified by several community members as Declan Hicks, 5, from La Plata, was rushed to a nearby hospital with critical injuries but was later pronounced deceased there.
2-YEAR-OLD DEAD IN ARIZONA AFTER BOUNCE HOUSE WAS SWEPT AWAY BY WIND
Young boy killed after bounce house is swept 15 to 20 feet in the air by gust of wind. (Marie Ragano /TMX)
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the children and their families during this incredibly challenging time,” expressed Reuben B. Collins II, President of Charles County Government. “We appreciate the swift actions of our EMS team and the Maryland State Police in ensuring that the children received prompt medical attention.”
Courtney Knichel, General Manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, also shared her condolences, stating, “Our organization deeply mourns the loss of a child and is concerned for the injured child. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected.”
NEW JERSEY GIRL, 6, DIES IN TRAGIC BADMINTON ACCIDENT 4 WEEKS AFTER ASKING ‘HOW TO BE WITH GOD AND BE SAVED’
Declan Hicks, 5, was identified as the child killed in the tragic accident. (Marie Ragano /TMX)
Knichel announced that the team would cancel Saturday’s baseball game and all related activities for August 3, as well as provide counseling and support for affected families, players, and fans who attended the game.
The South Potomac Church also recognized the loss of Declan Hicks, noting that his grandparents are members of the congregation.
“As many of you may be aware, Elder Bill and Kathleen Young’s grandson, Declan, tragically passed away from an incident at the Blue Crabs stadium on Friday night. We are filled with sorrow,” the church stated on Facebook. “Please keep the Young family and our SPC family in your prayers. When one of us grieves, we all grieve.”
The church also mentioned that they are collaborating with Dr. Benjamin Keyes from The Center for Trauma & Resiliency and his team of crisis counselors to provide support on Monday, August 5, at 7 p.m. at the Regency Furniture Stadium, the home ground of the Blue Crabs.
WIFE OF RODEO STAR SPENCER WRIGHT SHARES TRAGIC UPDATE ON THREE-YEAR-OLD SON LEVI AFTER RIVER ACCIDENT
Child fatality occurred when a bounce house was lifted by wind during a baseball game. (Marie Ragano /TMX)
The La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading organization also expressed their sorrow over Hicks’ death and committed to dedicating their upcoming season in his memory.
“The La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading Organization mourns the loss of #9 Declan Hicks, a member of our flag football team, taken too soon due to Friday’s incident at the Blue Crabs Stadium,” read their statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to his parents, family, friends, coaches, and teammates.”
FAMILY OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL KILLED IN SAND ACCIDENT ON FLORIDA BEACH DETAILS MOMENT HOLE COLLAPSED
A child was killed and several injured after a gust of air sent a bounce house up to 20 feet in the air with children still inside it. (Marie Ragano /TMX)
The organization went on to state that all flag football players and cheerleaders will wear a patch in Hicks’ memory, and all tackle football players will honor him by featuring his number on their helmets this season.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Always in our hearts and forever a Blue Knight, rest in honor Declan,” the organization added.
This incident is not the first reported tragedy this year involving children and bounce houses. Just last May, a 2-year-old was killed and another child injured when a bounce house was swept away by wind in Casa Grande, Arizona.
