A heartbroken mom has spoken out after her 11-year-old son died while waiting to get on a slide at a waterpark.
Richard Weinert-Soto was at Adventure Park in Visalia, California, when he collapsed at the Sequoia Springs attraction around 5PM on Saturday (August 24).
The 11-year-old's devastated family confirmed his passing in a fundraiser, which read: "Richard's heart stopped while enjoying time at Adventure Park...he was having fun, running around…and being a normal kid.
"He fought until the end and left many beautiful memories behind. He was a friend to all and we would appreciate any help or assistance to lay our Angel Richard to rest. God Bless You All," they added.
The young boy was born with both a heart and lung condition, according to the GoFundMe. His heart was on the wrong side of his body and he underwent six successful open heart surgeries. He also suffered from chronic lung failure.
Richard's mother, Maria Velasco, opened up about the devastating moment her son passed away at the waterpark during an interview with ABC30.
"This little girl comes and she tells me, 'I think your little boy is laying up there'… and so I ran up there and he was blue and purple," Velasco told the outlet.
The mom said Adventure Park staff administered CPR on her son until paramedics arrived and rushed him to Kaweah Health. Despite life-saving measures, her son was pronounced dead at 9.26PM.
Adventure Park acknowledged that "a child suffered from a cardiac emergency while waiting in line for the waterslides," as cited by Metro.
"We are asking for your prayers for the family and for all involved in this occurrence," the park stated. "Please know that the park was and continues to be a safe environment for the whole family and that this emergency was not related to the facilities at the park."
A GoFundMe was set up to raise money for the late boy's funeral expenses. As of the time of writing, $24,776 has been raised of the $25,000 goal.
"He was the happiest, most loving, and kind boy," the description read. "He enjoyed singing at his church, talking about God’s love, and making his friends and family laugh."
His father, Christopher Weinert, shared some kind words about his son, saying he was "amazing" and "special," adding: "Everyone who knew him knew that."
His sister, Graciela Munoz Soto, also paid tribute to him on her Facebook page, writing: "I will love and miss you forever, fly high baby boy and dance up in the sky .. going to miss all your laughter, jokes, and smiles at home."
Our thoughts are with Richard's family and friends at this time.
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