Boy’s shock death in his father’s arms after he collapsed while playing sports at Maine YMCA

A seven-year-old Maine boy died in his father’s arms after collapsing while participating in a local youth sports program. He could not be revived.

Evan Briggs was on the field of a local high school to audition for the Bath Area Family YMCA new flag football team when he fell to the ground.

His distraught father, Nathan Briggs, witnessed the horrors.

He told NewsCenterMaine, “I saw him running away with a football in his arm and I went to get my water bottles. When I turned around, he was on the ground.”

His mother, Stephanie, and Nathan said their son suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

“You almost want there to be a reason so you can blame it on something,” they said.

Nathan said during the life-saving measures, ‘He actually died in my arms and after they had been trying for an hour, I heard a doctor say, “Can anyone think of anything else?” And that’s when I knew he was dead.’

Evan with his heartbroken father, Nathan Briggs

His grieving parents explained that their son was born with holes in his heart. When he underwent surgery at five months old, it was successful and he never showed any signs of further health problems.

“We were in on Monday and out on Friday,” Nathan said. Stephanie added, “And thought that would be the worst.”

His parents said they took their son in for regular checkups, and doctors even told them Evan was an “overly healthy and active child,” his father recalled.

They described their eldest son as energetic and full of zest for life.

“He was always singing and dancing. From one end of the house to the other, you could hear him singing at any time of the day,” Nathan said. “Even from one end of the playroom to the other, you could hear him jumping. The ceiling fan would shake.”

Unaware of the unimaginable tragedy that awaited them, his father became emotional: “We’ve had seven good years.”

His mother added, “Almost eight,” his mother added, noting that his birthday was coming up.

Evan was born with holes in his heart. When he had surgery at five months old, it was successful and he never showed any signs of further health problems

The Bath Area Family YMCA is located at 303 Centre Street

A statement from the Bath Area Family YMCA was sent to families Wednesday morning sharing the tragic news, but Evans’ name was not released at the time.

“We’re having a hard time today at the Y,” they wrote.

They reported that staff immediately performed CPR and called emergency services. The young man was taken to hospital, but later died.

“We were shocked to learn that the young child had passed away, despite the efforts of our staff and emergency services,” the statement said.

“Our entire Y family is deeply saddened by this situation. Our thoughts and prayers remain with this young child, his family and friend, and those who came to his aid,” the statement said.

Nearly 600 people expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and many donated to a Meal train arranged on behalf of the grieving family.

The parents said they are awaiting their son’s autopsy results and plan to hold a ceremony to honor his life.

They shared how valuable all the support they receive is from the YMCA, the school, the city, and from people they have never met before.

The Briggs are both aware that this sudden tragedy has put life into perspective for many people. And it certainly has for them.

Evan’s mother remembers the ambiguous moments she had with her son, especially during bedtime.

“I kept saying it until he said it back at bedtime. ‘I love you, I love you, I love you’ until I got an ‘I love you too,'” Stephanie said.

“Take a moment to hold them, hug them, wrestle with them. Tell them you love them, because you never know.”