When it comes to kids birthday parties, inflatables reign supreme. There's just something about giant air-filled slides and bounce houses that children can't get enough of. Unfortunately, inflatable play structures come with risks, especially if they're set up outside.
One couple is facing the unimaginable after their 2-year-old son died when a bounce house went airborne from a sudden gust of wind. The freak accident happened in Casa Grande, Arizona. Not only are the parents grieving the death of their little boy, but they are expecting their second child in late May.
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On April 29, a bounce house near Casa Grande, Arizona, suddenly went airborne with kids inside of it.
The tragic incident occurred at roughly 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, in the community that's about 50 miles from Phoenix, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
“Several children were playing in a bounce house when a strong gust of wind sent it airborne into the neighboring lot,” a statement from the sheriff's office read, per NBC News. “A 2-year-old child was transported to the hospital where he passed away.”
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a 'tragic accident.'
Although a second child was hospitalized, the injuries were considered to be non-life-threatening. “This appears to have been a tragic accident,” the sheriff’s office noted in its statement.
A GoFundMe campaign identified the parents as Karl and Cristy, and their 2-year-old son as Bodhi. Additionally, Karl was identified as a firefighter in Phoenix.
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A Phoenix fire department spokesman released a statement about Bodhi's death.
Phoenix Firehouse 25 described the couple as "an integral part of Firehouse 25 family for many years including Rescue 25 and paramedic precepting" in a message shared via Instagram.
In a statement to NBC News, a Phoenix fire department spokesperson also confirmed Cristy and Karl's ties to the department.
“We are all devastated by this tremendous loss of life,” the statement read. “The fire service prides itself on being one big family. Our membership and our department are doing everything we can to support Karl and Cristy during this difficult time.”
Karl and Cristy are expecting a baby in late May.
In the wake of Bodhi's death, a friend of Karl and Cristy organized a GoFundMe fundraising campaign, revealing the bereaved parents will soon welcome their second child.
"This devastating loss has left Karl and Cristy grappling with unimaginable grief," she wrote. "Adding to their challenges, Cristy is due to give birth to their second child on May 31, 2024. Amidst their sorrow, they face the daunting task of preparing for the arrival of their newborn."
The GoFundMe campaign has already surpassed its goal.
The GoFundMe description continued: "As a community, we want to offer our support and alleviate the financial burden that accompanies such tragedies. Your donations will help Karl and Cristy focus on grieving their beloved Bodhi while also preparing for the new chapter in their lives."
As of writing, the campaign had exceeded its $100,000 goal, raising more than $155,000.
