A 7-year-old boy collapsed on a YMCA sports field in Maine this week after he had a sudden cardiac arrest, according to his parents.
The Bath Area YMCA said in a Facebook postthat the child was part of their youth sports program and “collapsed while playing on the field” on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
“Staff immediately performed CPR and called paramedics who quickly responded and transported the child to the hospital,” their statement added. “We were devastated to learn that, despite the best efforts of our staff and emergency responders, the young child passed away.”
The boy has been identified by his parents as Evan Briggs.
His father, Nathan, told NBC affiliate WCSHthat his oldest son was trying out for the Bath YMCA’s new flag football team when he collapsed.
“I watched him run off with a football in his arm and I went and gathered my water bottles and when I turned around, he was down,” he said.
His parents told the outlet he had a cardiac arrest. “He pretty much died in my arms,” the dad added.
Evan was born with holes in his heart but had surgery to repair them. Still, the parents were shocked by his death, saying he was a healthy and active boy — never skipping a doctor appointment.
“We got seven good years,” Nathan said. “Almost eight,” his mother Stephanie added, noting his birthday was soon.
According to the report, the Briggs family is still awaiting autopsy results to determine what caused his cardiac arrest. They were also working on a celebration of life.
A Meal Train fundraiser was launched to support the family amid the tragedy. More than $20,000 has been raised as of Friday, Sept. 20.
“Please help surround the Briggs family with love after the loss of their son,” the organizer added.
