MAGNA, Utah – A 12-year-old boy who was taken to a hospital in critical condition after he fell through ice and into an outdoor community pool in Magna Tuesday evening has died, officials announced Thursday evening.
According to information from the Unified Police Department, the child died Thursday. Family members as well as the family’s LDS Church Bishop told FOX 13 News that a fundraising account to help the family with burial costs has been established under the boy’s name, Jacques Bushman, at Mountain America Credit Union. Donations can be made at any branch or by calling Mountain America at 800-748-4302.
The family stated: “Our hearts are broken along with many others as our dear Jacques returned to his Heavenly Father today. Our love and prayers go to his parents and the rest of their family, as they grieve his loss. We love him always, and miss him already.”
The boy was reportedly an organ donor.
Earlier this week, police said the boy and his friend, 11, were playing in the parking lot of the Magna Recreation Center around 5 p.m. when the victim decided he needed to use a restroom. He climbed over the 6-foot tall fence into the pool area, but a few minutes later he had fallen through ice into the pool.
Lt. Justin Hoyal, Unified Police Department, stated earlier that the friend was the one who notified others.
“Heard a loud noise, and then heard the young man screaming,” Hoyal said. “He went, jumped the fence, went in and tried to help his friend but was unable to get him out of the water — he then left, ran home and got his dad for help and then they contacted us.”
Officials said he was under the water for at least 20 minutes before he was pulled from the water. Click here for more details regarding the accident.
Related story: Experts discuss dangers of thin ice after separate incidents leave man dead, boy in critical condition
