11-year-old California boy dies suddenly after visiting waterpark with friends

An 11-year-old boy died from a sudden cardiac arrest on Saturday after visiting a California waterpark with his youth group.

First responders were called to the park at around 11 am on Saturday when Titus Mark Wininger, 11, of Escondido, suffered a severe medical emergency. He was with his friends when the tragedy occurred, and later passed away after being transported to the hospital, as per the OC Register.



The Orange County Sheriff's Department said the young boy's death was tied to a rare congenital heart defect. Sgt. Matt Parish, a spokesperson for the agency, said Wininger appeared to have died from "anomalous insertion of coronary arteries."

The condition occurs when an artery is incorrectly formed in the womb, as per the Cleveland Clinic. The initial indication of the condition may be sudden cardiac arrest or mortality during physical activity. The clinic reports that one percent of the global population is affected by this condition and frequently experiences no repercussions.

Police and fire crews responded on Saturday to a "non-water, but medical-related incident."

The water park said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to share that an incident occurred today at Wild Rivers. Despite the swift response from our team and emergency services, he sadly passed away later at the hospital. Our hearts go out to the boy's family and loved ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the boy's family with medical costs.

"Titus Wininger passed away suddenly on June 22. Titus was with his youth group at a water park when he became unresponsive and the medical staff attended to him immediately," the fundraiser states. "While the family is still waiting for more information or to understand why, we would like to meet them with love, support, and a monetary donation that they may need in this time of sorrow."