A tragic incident occurred during a baseball game in Waldorf, Maryland, where a young child lost his life and several others were injured when a bounce house flew into the air due to a gust of wind while they were playing inside. This devastating event took place at a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game, prompting immediate response from first responders and Charles County officials.
The bounce house was lifted approximately 15 to 20 feet in the air by the wind, causing the children inside to fall before it landed on the playing field. Among the victims, 5-year-old Declan Hicks from La Plata was critically injured and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The community mourns the loss of this young child, and officials and organizations have expressed their condolences and support to the affected families.
In light of this tragedy, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs decided to cancel their scheduled baseball activities for the following day and are providing counseling and assistance to families, players, and fans impacted by the incident. The South Potomac Church, where Declan’s grandparents are members, also offered their prayers and support to the grieving family.
In response to the heartbreaking news, the La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading organization paid tribute to Declan Hicks, dedicating their upcoming season to his memory. All players will wear patches or display Hicks’ number on their helmets as a way to honor and remember him throughout the season.
This unfortunate incident sheds light on the dangers associated with bounce houses, especially when strong winds are involved. Earlier this year, a similar accident resulted in the death of a 2-year-old child in Casa Grande, Arizona, further emphasizing the need for proper safety measures and precautions when using inflatable play structures.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of young Declan Hicks, support and counseling services are being offered to those affected by this tragedy. The memory of Declan will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the organizations that have paid tribute to him, ensuring that he is never forgotten.