A boy died after suffering a medical emergency during what was supposed to be a fun day at a California water park with his youth group over the weekend.
Titus Mark Wininger, 11, of Escondido, died June 22 while at Wild Rivers Water Park in Irvine with his friends.
Firefighters and police were called to the park on Saturday after responding to a “non-water related, but medical incident.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday that Wininger’s death was related to a rare congenital heart defect.
Sergeant. Sheriff’s spokesman Matt Parrish said the Orange County Register that the young man appears to have died from an “anomalous insertion of coronary arteries.”
Titus Mark Wininger, 11, of Escondido, died June 22 while at Wild Rivers Water Park in Irvine with a group of youths.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition occurs when an artery does not form properly before delivery.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of abnormality, and sudden cardiac arrest or death during exertion may be the first sign.
The artery that is in the wrong place can alter the way blood flows through the heart, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing.
According to the clinic, it affects one percent of the world’s population, who often suffer no consequences.
TO GoFundMe He has since settled down after his death to help his family.
A post about the fundraiser said: ‘Titus Wininger, age 11, passed away suddenly on June 22nd.
‘Titus was with his youth group at a water park when he became unresponsive and was immediately attended to by medical staff.
“While the family is still waiting for more information or to understand why, we would like to greet them with the love, support and monetary donation they may need in this time of grief.”
Fire crews and police were called to the park on Saturday, as seen here, after responding to a “non-water related, but medical incident.”
In a statement, the park said: “We are deeply saddened to share that an incident occurred at Wild Rivers today.
‘A 12-year-old boy experienced a non-water-related, but medical, incident outside one of our pools.
‘Despite the quick response from our team and emergency services, he sadly later passed away in hospital.
‘Our hearts go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.