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A heartbreaking tragedy has claimed the life of a 5-year-old Florida boy after a giant video display board fell on him at his elementary school.
The devastating incident happened shortly before noon on Wednesday at Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay, a city that is about 175 miles north of Miami, according to the Fox affiliate WOFL.
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School staff immediately called 911 and began administering first aid before emergency responders arrived. Deputy Chief Nick Szczepanski of the Palm Bay Police Department he later said the child was taken to a nearby hospital, where he tragically died.
His family has since been recognized as Bellamy Dawkins-Morrisaccording to the NBC affiliate WESH.
Police have not yet confirmed why the display board fell. Bellamy’s family told WESH that his mother was told that he had been moving the table back and forth shortly before he passed. They are now questioning whether the equipment was secured and whether Bellamy was adequately supervised.
Szczepanski said investigators are looking closely at what happened, explaining:
“On the surface, this appears to be a tragic accident. However, our detectives from the special victims unit, major case unit and our crime scene staff are actively investigating.”
great-grandmother Bellamy, Miriam Rodriguezmade it clear the family wants answers:
“We expect him to be safe. He hasn’t come back to us. My emotions, my grief has gone down, and I’m angry. We need answers, and we need them immediately.”
And now, the school community is mourning an unimaginable loss. Super commander Dr. Mark Rendell it was “a very difficult day”.
At a press conference, Rendell said:
“We lost a life today, a precious young life, and there are no words to describe that loss. I met the family recently. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and I couldn’t find the words to express my grief and the grief we all share.”
Rendell also thanked the first responders and hospital staff who tried to save Bellamy, while emphasizing the importance of supporting students, teachers and the wider school community:
“Talking to the family, there’s a hole in their heart, I’m sure. There’s a hole in my heart. Words can’t express the loss.”
You can see more (below):
Such a loss of heart.
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As we said, Bellamy was just 5 years old. Sending love and light to his family, even though we know that might not be enough.
We hope the investigation will provide the grieving family with the answers they desperately need…
[Image created for PerezHilton.com]
