A tragic event unfolded at Wild Rivers waterpark in Irvine, California, when 11-year-old Titus Mark Wininger lost his life due to a sudden health crisis. On June 22, Titus was enjoying a day out with his youth group when he suddenly fell ill. The incident prompted an urgent response from Orange County firefighters who were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports that a child required immediate medical assistance.
Following the emergency call, which occurred just after 11 a.m., Titus was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital; however, he tragically passed away there. Sgt. Matt Parrish, a sheriff spokesperson, later confirmed to the Orange County Register that the young boy’s death was caused by anomalous insertion of coronary arteries, a rare medical condition.
Stanford Health Care describes an anomalous coronary artery (ACA) as a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation which is congenital, meaning it is present at birth. This usually involves the coronary artery originating or being located in an incorrect position. Detecting ACAs can be challenging due to their asymptomatic nature; however, symptoms might include intense chest pains, dizziness, and fainting during physical activity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this rare heart condition affects only about one percent of the population, and diagnosis can sometimes only be confirmed in adulthood.
Following the incident, a spokesperson from Wild Rivers waterpark expressed their deep sorrow to Fox News, stating, “An 11-year-old boy experienced a non-water, but medical-related incident outside one of our pools. 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 his ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
In memory of Titus, a GoFundMe page was established by Angela Corbin to support his grieving family. The fundraising page highlights the community’s wish to provide love, support, and financial assistance to the family during their difficult time.
“The family is still waiting for more information or to understand why,” the page reads. “We would like to meet them with love, support, and a monetary donation that they may need in this time of sorrow. Please understand their need for privacy during this time. We will pass along more information when it is available.”
The fundraising effort has already collected $24,462 to assist Titus’s family in their time of need.