Heartbreak as boy, 12, dies at water park after suffering 'medical incident' next to pool

A 12-year-old boy tragically passed away in hospital after experiencing a medical emergency at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine, California.

The incident occurred just after 11am on Saturday, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Irvine Police and Orange County Fire Authority firefighters were among the first responders, providing initial treatment before the boy was rushed to the hospital.

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

In a statement, the Irvine Police Department said: "Earlier today, we responded with the Orange County Fire Authority to a medical aid at Wild Rivers Waterpark. A juvenile was transported to the hospital and sadly passed away. It does not appear the incident is water-related."

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

Sgt. Karie Davies, a spokeswoman for the Irvine Police Department, told The Orange County Register that the cause of death will be determined by the coroner's office. She also confirmed that no crime is suspected in relation to the incident.

Wild Rivers released a statement on social media confirming the tragic event. They stated that the 12-year-old boy died following a "non-water, but medical related incident".

"We are deeply saddened to share that an incident occurred today at Wild Rivers," the park said. "A 12-year-old boy experienced a non-water, but medical related incident outside one of our pools."

"Despite the swift response from our team and emergency services, he sadly passed away later at the hospital. Our hearts go out to 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, brands itself as "California's newest waterpark" and features a variety of water slides, pools, and other attractions. It was originally situated at the former Lion Country Safari site but closed its doors in September 2011. The water park made its comeback at its current location in July 2022.

This tragic incident at Wild Rivers follows the death of a schoolgirl who was found unresponsive in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando on May 28. The Orange County Sheriff's Office reported that Anna Beaumont, 13, from Cardiff, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but unfortunately died the next day.

The teenager's family has since remembered her as a "beautiful soul" who "touched so many lives". In a statement, her family said: "Anna was a beautiful soul who has been taken from us in a tragic accident."

"We are devastated by her loss, but she will never be forgotten. We would like to thank the emergency response 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 at this incredibly difficult time."

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

"Our team provided care and contacted Orange County Fire and Rescue. When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital. Out of respect for privacy of our guests, we do not provide any health information. Our thoughts are with this family."