ARIZONA, May 1: A 2-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a devastating incident when a bounce house was swept airborne by a strong gust of wind in Casa Grande, Arizona, on Saturday.

According to a statement released by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. in a residential area near Casa Grande, located approximately 50 miles south of Phoenix. Several children were playing inside the bounce house when the unexpected wind gust lifted it off the ground and carried it into a neighboring lot.

Despite immediate efforts to provide medical assistance, the 2-year-old child was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The sheriff's office confirmed that a second child sustained injuries in the incident but was hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.

“This appears to have been a tragic accident,” stated the sheriff’s office, expressing condolences to the affected families.

The parents of the deceased child were identified as Karl and Cristy, as reported on a verified GoFundMe page. Karl, a firefighter based in Phoenix, and his wife Cristy are expecting their second child in late May, the fundraiser disclosed.

The tragic loss has left the couple grappling with immense grief, especially as they navigate the preparations for the arrival of their newborn. Despite attempts to contact the couple through the fundraising account, they were not available for comment.

In response to the heartbreaking incident, the Phoenix Fire Department, to which Karl is affiliated, has extended its support to the grieving family. In a statement, a fire department spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss and affirmed the department's commitment to providing assistance during this challenging time.

“We are all devastated by this tremendous loss of life,” the statement read. “The fire service prides itself on being one big family. Our membership and our department are doing everything we can to support Karl and Cristy during this difficult time.”

As investigations into the incident continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.