An 8-year-old boy attending a World Cup watch party in California has died after a suspected drowning.
Police and fire crews raced to an address in El Segundo after receiving reports of a child becoming unresponsive just before 7.30 p.m. Friday.
The boy, later identified as Taylor Thach, was pronounced dead at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, El Segundo Police Department told ABC7.
“Taylor was a third-grade student at Center Street School who was friendly, kind, affectionate, and polite,” a statement from the El Segundo mayor Chris Pimentel said.
“He brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His passing is an indescribable loss to his family, the Center Street community, and all of El Segundo,” the mayor continued.
“El Segundo’s first responders did everything possible to revive Taylor and conducted a thorough investigation, which determined this was a tragic and heartbreaking accident.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched on behalf of the family by well-wishers, who paid tribute to Taylor online.
“Taylor had been a Cougar since kindergarten and was a beloved member of the school community,” they said of the Center Street School student.
“Affectionate and polite, he often went out of his way to ask others how they were doing or to wish them a good day. He brought joy to those around him.”
As of Thursday June 18, the campaign had raised over $83,000, sweeping well past its $5,000 goal. All funds will go to the family to help with their immediate expenses and allow them to focus on “healing and honoring Taylor’s memory” the appeal said. Taylor is survived by his mother, father and brother, a neighbor said.
Authorities told ABC7 the incident unfolded at another family’s home during their World Cup watch party. The case is being treated as a tragic accident and there is nothing to suggest criminal negligence, they added.
El Segundo Police Department Investigations Lieutenant Eric Atkinson told People that “every sign points to accidental drowning”, adding that an autopsy is yet to take place.
Mayor Pimentel said the school district was providing grief support for those affected by Taylor’s death.
“In the face of this immense loss, the City and the entire El Segundo community are coming together to support one another,” he said. “We are grateful to everyone who has reached out to offer comfort, assistance, and support to the Thach family during this difficult time.
“Our hearts are with Taylor’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and everyone struggling with this profound loss. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will remain in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.”
