2-year-old boy killed after wind gusts send bounce house airborne

A gust of wind sent a bounce house in Casa Grande airborne, killing a 2-year-old son of a Phoenix firefighter on Saturday. (KPHO)
Published: Apr. 30, 2024 at 12:56 AM EDT

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A 2-year-old boy from Arizona has died after a “tragic accident” while playing in a bounce house, authorities say.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a neighborhood near Casa Grande around 5 p.m. Saturday, where several children had been playing in a bounce house. The sheriff’s office says a strong gust of wind blew the bounce house into the air and over to a neighboring lot, KPHO reports.

A 2-year-old boy, identified on GoFundMe as Bodhi, was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the grieving family,” said the sheriff’s office in a press release.

The sheriff’s office says another child was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Family members say that girl suffered a broken arm.

Phoenix Firehouse 25 posted on Instagram saying Bodhi was the son of a firefighter named Karl and his wife, Cristy. Fire officials say Karl works with both Phoenix Firehouse 25 and 40.

The couple are expecting a child in May, according to the Instagram post. A GoFundMe has been set up to help them with finances.

The grandmother of the child who lives at the home where the incident happened told KPHO that the two families involved are very good friends and were together for what was supposed to be a fun afternoon.

She added that the bounce house, which is owned by the family, flew backward in the incident.