MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 1-year-old boy is dead after police say he fell over the balcony of the Forum Flats downtown Saturday afternoon.
According to Memphis Police, at 1:41 p.m., officers responded to a wounding call in the 200 block of South Danny Thomas Boulevard.
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The boy was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in critical condition. He later died due to his injuries.
Investigators told us this was a “tragic accident.” A neighbor who didn’t want to be identified was shocked to learn the reason for the large scene at the apartment complex that caused a traffic jam Saturday.
“I just pray for them. It’s heartbreaking. I can’t imagine what the parent was going through if they were there, what the child was feeling,” said the neighbor.
We saw the complex was fully gated and surrounded by lights. With so many questions about what happened and how a toddler could fall over a balcony.
A spokesperson for the Forum Flats released the following statement,
“We are heartbroken over this tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected right now, especially the boy’s family. We are working with our staff and residents to ensure we are as helpful as possible to investigating authorities as they try to understand what led to this awful tragedy.”
Meanwhile, the community is already hoping for solutions.
“Maybe higher railing, less gaps in between, and parents watching kids on the balcony,” said the neighbor.
This is still an ongoing investigation.