A family outing to a Washington shoreline ended in a horrific tragedy after a six-year-old boy who suffered devastating injuries in a driftwood accident died several days later.
Killian Gonzales passed away Sunday after being hospitalized since July 8, when a large log collapsed while he was playing at Little Squalicum Beach in Bellingham, his family told King5.
His mother, Sonja McCartney, said Killian had been exploring near a driftwood fort with his sister and babysitter when the heavy log gave way.
As it began to fall, the child tried to run but was struck in the back of the head before becoming trapped beneath the timber.
Emergency crews responded to the beach and began lifesaving efforts before Killian’s parents arrived. He was later flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he remained in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for several days.
McCartney told Fox13, that it was one of the worst situations you could ever go through as a parent. “It’s really hard to close your eyes and not hope that this is the nightmare that you’re waking up from.”
According to his family, the impact caused catastrophic injuries, including multiple skull fractures and significant trauma to the back of his brain.
Physicians monitored him closely while waiting for swelling to subside enough to better assess the extent of the damage.
On Sunday afternoon, Killian’s family sadly confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of the tragedy, community members have rallied around the family through a GoFundMe campaign that was established to help with expenses. As of Monday morning, the campaign had raised more than $42,000.
“We are trying to help elevate any medical/food/gas expenses that we can,” the fundraiser said. “If you are unable to give that’s absolutely ok, please share! They need all the love and support during this difficult time. Prayers are also very welcome.”
