Hospital press release or family statement

Seven-Year-Old Boy in Critical Condition After Emergency Open-Heart Surgery Due to Falling Drones at Lake Eola Park Holiday Show

Dec 23, 2024, 11:42 AM

An incident during a holiday drone show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, has led to the hospitalization of a seven-year-old boy who was critically injured when several drones collided and fell into the crowd. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, which occurred on the evening of December 21, 2024. Witnesses reported that more than 200 drones were part of the aerial display when some began to malfunction, resulting in multiple drones crashing into spectators. The boy, identified as Alexander, required emergency open-heart surgery after being struck in the chest by one of the drones. His mother described the traumatic event, stating that he had blood coming from his face. As of the latest reports, he remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit. The FAA's investigation aims to determine the cause of the drone malfunctions that led to this serious incident.