A devastating tragedy has overshadowed the World Cup celebrations after an eight-year-old boy lost his life while attending a tournament viewing party with his family.
Emergency responders scrambled to a residential home in Southern California at around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, following reports of an unresponsive child.
Paramedics attempted to perform life-saving measures at the scene before the young boy was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
The victim has since been identified as Taylor Thach, a third-grade student at Center Street School who was visiting the home with family to watch the soccer action.
While an official autopsy remains pending, investigators have confirmed that preliminary evidence heavily points toward a heartbreaking and sudden pool accident at the venue.
‘Every sign points to accidental drowning,’ El Segundo Police Department Investigations Lieutenant Eric Atkinson told PEOPLE.
A devastating tragedy has overshadowed the World Cup celebrations after an eight-year-old boy lost his life while attending a tournament viewing party with his family
The victim has since been identified as Taylor Thach, a student at Center Street School
Detectives are actively collecting statements from other partygoers and witnesses to piece together the exact timeline leading up to the tragedy.
The community of El Segundo has been left reeling by the news, with local officials releasing a statement honoring the young student’s memory.
‘Taylor was a third-grade student at Center Street School who was friendly, kind, affectionate, and polite,’ the city of El Segundo said in a statement on Wednesday.
‘He brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His passing is an indescribable loss to his family and the entire community.’
School district officials have confirmed that grief counselors and mental health staff will be stationed at the campus to support devastated classmates and teachers.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched by loved ones to help the grieving family with unexpected costs has already seen a massive wave of financial support.
The online fundraiser completely shattered its modest $5,000 target within hours, rapidly climbing past $80,000 as community members rally behind the family.
Loved ones remembered Taylor as an incredibly polite boy who frequently went completely out of his way to greet neighbors and wish everyone he met a good day.
