A Missouri family was enjoying the last official day of summer with some outdoor time on September 21. When 8-year-old Cortez Williams Jr. decided to play on a backyard swing, no one could have imagined what would happen next. Somehow, the structure collapsed, pinning Cortez underneath. Things quickly went from bad to worse.
Fox 2 reported that, according to the St. Louis County Police Department, the accident occurred at a home in the 1130 block of Larimore in Spanish Lake. When the structure collapsed, Cortez reportedly became pinned underneath a crossbar. Family members came to the rescue and freed him, thinking he was fine.
Per the police department, Cortez’s family members initially suspected he had “minor injuries” after the collapse. But a short time later, he became unresponsive. Family members rushed him to a hospital, where he died. Police have launched an investigation into this horrific accident.
Derk Brown shared the story on Facebook, and followers immediately began posting about the accident. Some were judgmental.
“D— so what they didn’t take him to the hospital after a swing set fell on him,” one person wrote.
Others, however, guessed the family had no idea how serious Cortez’s injuries were. “Poor baby probably had internal bleeding and they didn’t know,” someone else commented.
“Oh my.. my heart aches for his family and friends,” another person agreed. “Prayers for comfort, peace and strength.”
Many people left kind words and prayers for the family.
“Absolutely heartbreaking,” one commenter shared. “Sending prayers and our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this young man and the community as a whole. This is devastating.”
One person took the opportunity to reflect on the family and how they will move on after losing a young child in such an unexpected way. “Heartbreaking. Praying that the family takes care of themselves after this. It will be a hard road to travel,” the commenter wrote.
This is a poignant reminder that every day is a gift, and it can change in the blink of an eye when we least expect it.
