A heartbreaking tragedy has taken the life of a 5-year-old Florida boy after a large video display board fell on him at his elementary school.
The devastating incident happened shortly before noon Wednesday at Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay, a city that is about 175 miles north of Miami, according to Fox affiliate WOFL.
Related: Caleb Flynn Found GUILTY Of Murder In Death Of Wife Ashley
School staff immediately called 911 and began administering first aid before emergency responders arrived. Deputy Chief Nick Szczepanski of the Palm Bay Police Department later said the child was taken to a nearby hospital, where he sadly died.
His family has since identified him as Bellamy Dawkins-Morris, according to NBC affiliate WESH.
Police have not yet determined exactly why the display board fell. Bellamy’s family told WESH that his mother was informed he had been moving the board back and forth shortly before it tipped over. They are now questioning whether the equipment was properly 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 investigators from the special victims unit, major case unit and our crime scene personnel are actively investigating.”
Bellamy’s great-aunt, Miriam Rodriguez, made it clear that the family wants answers:
“We’re expecting him to be safe. He didn’t return to us. My emotions, my sadness has subsided, and I am angry. We need answers, and we need them immediately.”
And now, the school community is grieving an unimaginable loss. Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell called it an “incredibly 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 with the family a short time ago. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and I really couldn’t find the words to share with them my grief and the grief that all of us have.”
Rendell also thanked first responders and hospital staff who tried to save Bellamy, while emphasizing the importance of supporting students, teachers and the broader school community:
“Speaking to the family, there’s a hole in their heart, I’m sure. There’s a hole in my heart. Words can’t describe the loss.”
You can see more (below):
Such a heartbreaking loss.
Related: 7-Year-Old Chicago Girl Stabbed To Death By Complete Stranger In Broad Daylight — Details
Like we said, Bellamy was just 5 years old. Sending all the love and light to his family, even though we know that couldn’t possibly be enough.
Hopefully, the investigation will provide his grieving family with the answers they desperately need…
[Image created for PerezHilton.com]