Heartbreak: 12-year-old boy dies in water park after ‘medical incident’ next to pool

A 12-year-old boy has tragically died in hospital after suffering a medical emergency at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine, California.

The incident occurred just after 11 a.m. on Saturday and required an immediate response from emergency services. Irvine police and Orange County Fire Authority firefighters were among the first responders and provided first aid before the boy was taken to the hospital.

The young boy, who suffered the “medical incident” outside one of the park’s swimming pools, was sadly pronounced dead at the hospital later that evening.

In a statement, Irvine Police said: “This morning we responded to a rescue call at Wild Rivers Waterpark along with the Orange County Fire Department. A juvenile was transported to the hospital and unfortunately passed away. It does not appear that the incident was water related.”

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It was later confirmed that the boy was 12 years old. The exact nature of the medical emergency was not disclosed.

Sergeant Karie Davies, a spokeswoman for the Irvine Police Department, told The Orange County Register that the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner. She also confirmed that no foul play is suspected in connection with the incident.

Wild Rivers released a statement on social media confirming the tragic event, saying the 12-year-old boy died from a “non-water related, but medical related, incident.”

“We are deeply saddened to announce that an incident occurred today at Wild Rivers,” the park said. “A 12-year-old boy had a non-water related, medically related incident outside of one of our swimming pools.”

“Despite the rapid response of our team and emergency services, he unfortunately later died in hospital. Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Wild Rivers, nestled in Great Park, Irvine, bills itself as “California’s newest water park” and features a variety of water slides, pools and other attractions. It was originally located on the former site of Lion Country Safari, but closed its doors in September 2011. The water park made its comeback at its current location in July 2022.

This tragic incident in Wild Rivers follows the death of a student who was found unconscious in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando on May 28. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that 13-year-old Anna Beaumont of Cardiff was hospitalized in critical condition but sadly passed away the next day.

The teenager’s family has since remembered her as a “beautiful soul” who “touched so many lives.” A statement said: “Anna was a beautiful soul who was taken from us in a tragic accident.”

“We are devastated by her loss, but we will never forget her. We want to thank the emergency teams and hospital staff in Orlando who tried so hard to save Anna’s life. We will not be making any further statements and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Discovery Cove, the all-inclusive day resort and sister property of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, has issued a statement to local media regarding a disturbing incident: “Our staff responded to an emergency involving a guest yesterday (May 28).”

“Our team cared for the guest and contacted Orange County Fire and Emergency Services. When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital. Out of respect for our guests’ privacy, we are not sharing health information. Our thoughts are with this family.”