14 DAY TRIAL // A 10-year-old boy has been killed as a large sign fell over him, his mother and three other siblings at an airport in Alabama.
According to Daily Mail, Heather Bresette and her four children, aged 6 – 10, have been crushed by an information sign becoming loose and landing on top of them at Birmingham – Shuttlesworth International Airport on Friday, March 22.
Luke Bresette was transported to the Children's of Alabama hospital upon being severely wounded when the 300 – 400 pound (136 – 181 kg) sign collapsed. The display board was located on a recently renovated terminal opened to the public last week.
He was pronounced dead soon after, Deputy Coroner Derrick Perryma details. His mother is fighting for her life at the University Hospital, spokeswoman Nicole Wyatt has said in a statement.
While the other children did not incur serious wounds, their mother was admitted with two broken ankles and a fractured pelvis and underwent a surgical procedure.
“The 300-plus pound (181 kg) sign toppled and hit the family without warning. [...] The whole thing flipped down on those kids. It took all of us here to stand it back up. Everybody started screaming,” witness Albert Osorio explains.
The incident took place at 1:30 p.m. as the Kansas family was preparing for a flight home to Overland Park after a week-long vacation in Destin.
The boy's uncle describes Luke as an active, sociable and intelligent student and loving son and nephew.
“He was a beautiful boy. [...] He was great in school. He was bright and inquisitive. […] You know how some kids get too old to hug you anymore? Not Luke, he always hugged,” Alex Bresette tells AL.com.
“We are incredibly sad, but so appreciative of the support we've received,” he adds.
“I have offered our full support to the Airport Authority as they investigate what has occurred this afternoon.
“I have asked our public safety staff to assist this family in their time of need in any way possible as they grapple with what has happened,” Birmingham Mayor William Bell has said in a press release.