The FBI has launched an inquiry into the death of a 12-year-old boy aboard a cruise ship.
Pierson ‘Piers’ Davis was on vacation with his parents and two sisters on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Harmony of the Seas.
The ship was on the last night of its seven-day Caribbean voyage on September 7.
Approximately five hours before the ship was scheduled to dock in Galveston, Texas, Piers fell from his family’s 13th-floor cabin balcony, dropping five stories into the Central Park plaza below.
Royal Caribbean staff attempted to resuscitate Pierson, but unfortunately, he passed away before the ship could dock.
Now, the FBI has taken control of the investigation into Piers’ death as his family commemorated him on what would have been his 13th birthday.
Piers’ mother, Audra Davis, paid homage to her son before his funeral, writing: “The thing every parent hopes and prays does not happen to them. It happened to me. It happened to us.”
She continued: “I don’t have many words right now. My family and I were on a cruise vacation the first week of September and the day before we were to arrive at port the unthinkable happened.
“My son tragically died. He was 12 and would have turned 13 later this month.”
“To all those who have reached out to me and my family to offer your support, love, prayers and good intentions, thank you. It means everything to us.”
While on the cruise, the family became friends with Becky Potter and her husband Gavin, who captured some photos of the families dining together.
“We walked away talking about your precious family and your dedication to your kids!” Becky said to Piers’ mother.
“My heart couldn’t break any more for such an amazing family!”
An obituary from Piers’ family described him as having a ‘natural confidence and social ease,’ as well as being ‘wise beyond his years.’
“Despite his age, he possessed a mature sense of gratitude and a heart full of love, never hesitating to express it,” the family wrote.
“His mind was sharp, constantly improving his skills and knowledge, often in Pokémon, other video games and any new mystery he could strum up.”
“As an avid learner, he was fascinated by Mars and the mysteries of space, wanting to delve into the universe as a means to explore his philosophical thinking.”
“Recently, Piers discovered a love for golf, but his true peace was found in the woods, where he could reflect and immerse in nature. This was a place he loved to sit and ponder world secrets, like how to make it a better place.”