A 10-year-old California boy died at a trampoline park after a fight with a 14-year-old boy, while his family angrily slammed police, claiming the death was an accident.
The young victim, Anthony Duran, was playing basketball with a group of other children at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park in Merced on April 13 when he and another child got into an argument, witnesses said. KFSN News.
Witnesses said Duran fell to the ground at the Main Street trampoline park in Merced, a town about 100 miles east of San Jose, when the other boy, whose name was not released, allegedly ran away.
Bystanders resuscitated the young victim until emergency services arrived. He was rushed to hospital, but later died from his injuries.
Before the fight broke out, family and friends said Duran “dipped” the other child, “actually hit them,” which the other child “didn’t like,” according to KFSN.
Ten-year-old Anthony Duran was playing basketball with a group of other kids at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park in Merced on April 13 when he and another child got into a fight, witnesses told KFSN News
Nellie Barragan, a friend of the family, told the news outlet that Duran was an active child. He played football, boxed. He just finished basketball. He had no health problems,” she said. “That’s what they’re saying is maybe it was a medical condition. It was not’
A photo of the police chief of The Merced Police Department
On Monday, Merced Police released an updated version rack at 3:30pm ‘Merced youth succumbs to ‘accident’ injuries, but Duran’s family has opposed those claims and demanded a full investigation.
They say Duran was in good health and there is no suggestion that his death was caused by a medical episode unrelated to the beating.
The Merced County coroner’s office has not yet released Duran’s cause of death
Police said the incident was captured on surveillance video and documented statements from 35 people who were at the scene at the time, according to a department press release.
They reported that witnesses reported seeing Duran playing basketball at the establishment when he and another child got into a brief physical altercation.
As a result, Duran collapsed and the other youth fled on foot. Duran was transported to a regional trauma center but unfortunately did not survive.
Officials said they are reviewing the case with the Merced County District Attorney’s office to determine whether charges will be filed.
An autopsy is also scheduled.
When DailyMail.com contacted Merced Police, they did not respond to our request for comment.
Angela Duran, a family member, has started a GoFundMe to raise money for Duran’s funeral
Friends and family gathered at a vigil for Duran that took place at Golden Valley High School. It was the second vigil held in his honor since his sudden and tragic passing.
A balloon was released as many held signs with the three words, “Justice for Anthony.”
Duran’s Junior Varsity Coach Jack Booker told News 11 that he is “devastated.”
‘I didn’t believe it at first. I was in denial. Who would expect such a thing.’
He remembered the young team member as someone who “always loved the game” and was “very passionate about the game.”
Nellie Barragan, a friend of the family, told KFSN that Duran was an “active boy.”
He played football, boxed. He just finished basketball. He had no health problems,” she said.
“That’s what they’re saying is maybe it was a medical condition. It was not.’
Duran’s distraught mother, whose name was not released but works as a nurse, plans to donate her son’s organs, the news outlet said.
Angela Duran, a family member, created one GoFundMe to raise money for Duran’s funeral.
Anthony got his wings 16-04-23. I’m asking you in this time of need with a donation for my cousin’s mother as she needs to put Anthony to rest,” Angela wrote.
“We want to give him a proper burial. Thank you for all the love and support you have given Anthony.”
As of Thursday afternoon, $27,000 has been raised towards their $30,000 goal.