A seven-year-old Maine boy died in his father’s arms after collapsing while participating in a local youth sports program and could not be revived.
Evan Briggs was on a local high school field trying out for the Bath Area Family YMCA. new flag football team when it fell to the ground.
His devastated father, Nathan Briggs, who stood by, witnessed the horror.
He said Maine News Center, “I saw him running out with a soccer ball in his arm and I went to get my water bottles and when I turned around, he was on the ground.”
His mother, Stephanie, and Nathan said their son suffered sudden cardiac arrest.
“You almost want there to be a reason so you can blame something,” they said.
During life-saving measures, Nathan said: ‘He practically died in my arms and after an hour of trying I heard a doctor say, “Does anyone else have anything they can think of?” and at that point I knew he was gone.’
Evan Briggs, 7, died unexpectedly while trying out for a local YMCA flag football team.
Evan with his heartbroken father, Nathan Briggs
His heartbroken parents explained that their son was born with holes in his heart. When he was operated on at five months, the operation was successful and he never showed any further symptoms of health problems.
“We arrived on a Monday and left on a Friday,” Nathan said. Stephanie added: “And I thought that would be the worst.”
His parents said they took their son for regular checkups and doctors even told them that Evan was an “excessively healthy and active child,” his father recalled.
They described their eldest son as energetic and full of life.
“He was always singing and dancing. From one side of the house to the other, you could hear him singing all the time,” Nathan said. “Even from one side of the game room to the other, you could hear him jumping. The ceiling fan was shaking.”
Unaware of the unimaginable tragedy they were about to suffer, their father was moved: “We had seven good years.”
The mother added: “Almost eight,” her mother added, noting that her birthday was approaching.
Evan was born with holes in his heart. When he had surgery at five months old, the operation was successful and he never showed any signs of health problems again.
The Bath Area Family YMCA is located at 303 Centre Street
On Wednesday morning, the Bath Area Family YMCA released a statement to families sharing the tragic news, but Evan’s name was not released at the time.
“Our hearts are heavy today at the YMCA,” they wrote.
They said the staff immediately performed CPR and called paramedics. The young man was taken to hospital but later died.
“We are devastated to learn that despite the best efforts of our staff and emergency services, the child passed away,” the statement read in part.
“Our entire Y family is deeply saddened by this situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with this little boy, his family and friends, as well as those who came to his aid,” the statement read.
Nearly 600 people expressed their condolences to the devastated family and many donated to a Food Train organized on behalf of the grieving family.
The parents said they are awaiting the results of their son’s autopsy and plan to hold a celebration of his life ceremony.
They shared how meaningful all the support from the YMCA, the school, the city, and people they had never met before has been.
The Briggs are aware that this sudden tragedy is putting life into perspective for many people, as it certainly has for them.
Evan’s mother recalled the bittersweet moments she had with her son, particularly at bedtime.
“I would say it to him until he would say it back to me before going to sleep. ‘I love you, I love you, I love you’ until I got a ‘I love you too’ in response,” Stephanie said.
Take a minute to hug them, hold them, wrestle with them. Tell them you love them because you never know.
(tags to translate)dailymail