A 5-year-old boy died in a tragic accident on a California beach after a large boulder fell on him while he was playing near the shoreline.
The accident has sparked an outpouring of support, with hundreds contributing to a GoFundMe campaign organized by a friend of the family.
More than $65,000 has been raised from nearly 650 donors, with contributions coming from across the country, including Chicago and Atlanta.
Maxwell Haworth was climbing on rocks at Rincon Beach in Ventura when he slipped, dislodging a boulder that fatally struck him, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
His parents were nearby, watching from the sand as their only child played with his best friend.
As the two children explored the rocks, Maxwell lost his footing, triggering the boulder to fall.
Maxwell Haworth, 5, was climbing on rocks at Rincon Beach in Ventura, California when he slipped, dislodging a boulder that fatally struck him
He sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died, according to family member Daniel Kessler.
‘His father picked him up and went up to the parking lot with him in his arms to get some help,’ Kessler told The Los Angeles Times. ‘They did everything they could.’
‘He was always a joyful, energetic 5-year-old and always having fun, loved everybody. He had just actually started kindergarten a couple of weeks ago,’ Kessler said. ‘The family’s just heartbroken that they’re not going to see him grow up.’
Family friend Bryan Holloway launched the fundraiser to support Maxwell’s parents with funeral costs and other expenses, according to the fundraising page.
‘My friends are not ones to ask for anything from anyone, but we know they need any support they can get,’ Holloway wrote on the campaign page.
Maxwell was described by his parents as their ‘biggest joy in life and a blessing they couldn’t have wanted more,’ Holloway added.
As the two children explored the rocks, Maxwell lost his footing, triggering the boulder to fall. Pictured: Rincon Beach in Ventura, California
The accident has sparked an outpouring of support, with hundreds contributing to a GoFundMe campaign organized by a friend of the family
Maxwell was described by his parents as their ‘biggest joy in life and a blessing they couldn’t have wanted more’
The fundraiser, which features several photos of Maxwell with his parents, received donations ranging from $10 to $2,500.
As of Friday afternoon, it had surpassed $65,000, nearing its $80,000 goal.
‘The outpouring of support has been tremendous,’ Kessler said.
‘We feel so blessed, and his parents feel so blessed and can’t thank people enough for donating and sharing their love. They feel overjoyed that their son has touched so many people.’
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