The death of a 10-year-old boy who collapsed and died after an argument with another child at a trampoline park in Merced, California, is under investigation.
Ten-year-old Anthony Duran, who was reportedly in good health and participated in several physical activities, including football, boxing, and basketball, according to his family, was playing basketball when he got into a fight with another child at the Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park. Duran collapsed, and the other child fled the scene after the confrontation.
According to the Merced Police Department, the incident, captured on the trampoline park’s security camera, resulted in Duran’s death. Officers responded to the incident and transported the boy to the hospital, where he died. After gathering statements from 35 witnesses, the police department is in contact with the Merced County District Attorney’s office to decide if charges will be filed.
The police said that it had been in contact with the other child’s parents.
Duran’s family and friends expressed frustration with the investigation, saying that they had not been able to review the security footage of the altercation and that the police had not taken quick enough action. They have also disputed claims that Duran’s death was due to a medical condition, stating that he had no known health issues.
Duran’s family and friends wore shirts written “Justice for Anthony Duran” with his image on them and held a press conference outside the trampoline park to raise awareness about the incident. They seek answers about what led to Duran’s death and want the police to take swift action.
As of Tuesday, the Merced County Coroner’s Office had not determined the cause of Duran’s death, and the Merced Police Department had not filed any charges related to the incident. The department has yet to respond to requests for an update on the case.