Montclair YMCA members and staff were in shock Saturday, when a nine-year-old boy from West Orange collapsed on the basketball court during an afternoon game. We received some information from Dawn McFadden at the YMCA about the tragedy.
The youngster collapsed from a severe asthma attack. The father, who was in the gym at the time, was carrying an inhaler and tried to administer it to his son. There was a nurse in the crowd who tried to help, as did many of the YMCA staff members. Police and ambulance were called, and according to staff members, the child was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital.
The boy died within an hour of his collapse. Chief of Police David Sabagh says the family wishes to mourn in privacy. McFadden told Baristanet "we tried everything to help and assist the boy and his family. This is devastating to the family and the YMCA community."
Noon Update:
YMCA President and CEO Tom Boyton told us: The boy received immediate medical attention. A staff member pushed one of the "Code Blue" buttons which are all around the facility, called 911. Emergency trained staff administered CPR, and police/ambulance showed up quickly. "We located the mother who was at another location, picked her up and a staff member drove her to the hospital. We're not sure when the boy expired. This is a tragic occurrence."
so sad, really tragic.