An 8-year-old boy in Southern California died on Friday, June 12, after an apparent drowning during a World Cup watch party. Officers arrived at a residence in the 700 block of California Street at approximately 7:30 p.m. on June 12, following a call reporting an unresponsive child, El Segundo Police Department Investigations Lieutenant Eric Atkinson told People.
First responders initiated emergency life-saving procedures at the scene before transporting the child, identified as Taylor Thach, to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He was later pronounced dead. According to Atkinson, the incident happened at a World Cup watch party at another family’s home. Although the autopsy has not yet been performed, the official said “every sign points to accidental drowning”. The investigation is ongoing, and officers are interviewing attendees who were present at the gathering to establish a complete timeline of events and collect additional details about what happened.
Tribute to a Beloved Child
He was ‘affectionate and polite’. A GoFundMe campaign set up on behalf of his family described Taylor as kind-hearted and friendly-spirited. “Taylor had been a Cougar since kindergarten and was a beloved member of the school community.” His loved ones added, “Affectionate and polite, he often went out of his way to ask others how they were doing or to wish them a good day. He brought joy to those around him.”
The fundraiser had raised more than $80,000, far surpassing its $5,000 goal, as of June 17. The money will go directly to the family to help with immediate expenses and allow them the opportunity to focus on healing and honouring Taylor’s memory.
Community Mourns
“All of us on the City Council are devastated by the passing of Taylor Thach on 12 June. Taylor was a third-grade student at Center Street School who was friendly, kind, affectionate and polite. He brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His passing is an indescribable loss to his family, the Center Street community and all of El Segundo,” the City of El Segundo wrote in a separate statement.
The school said counselling would be offered to students and staff. No further details were immediately known.
