Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hammond, 9, died tragically last week after a bounce house where she was playing blew into power lines. Lizzy was playing in the inflatable bounce house with two other children when strong winds blew the house away. The Washoe County Sheriff’s office said the bounce house went up into the air about 10 feet.
The Reno Gazette Journal reported that hundreds of people from the community, including local police officers and EMTs, lined the hallways of the hospital where Lizzy was taken following the accident. The community participated in an honor walk as her family donated her organs for transplant. Lizzy’s family shared that dozens of children would benefit from the donation.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Chloe Wiegand’s Family Speaks Out for First Time About Her Tragic Death Aboard Cruise Ship
Police and EMTs quickly arrived at the scene of the accident and were able to rescue two of the children. They were treated for minor injuries, while Lizzy was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center.
The emergency crews had NV Energy turn off power to the south Reno neighborhood for about two hours, affecting about 3,000 people.
While the incident is still being investigated, it appears the bounce house was properly secured but was lifted by an unexpectedly strong gust of wind.
Sheriff Darin Balaam shared a statement with the Associated Press about how the community has been affected. “We are truly heartbroken for the family,” he said. “I speak on behalf of every deputy, firefighter, trooper, dispatcher, and medic who responded to this incident as well as all area first responders when I say to the family, ‘our prayers are with you, our thoughts are with you and we are here to help in any way that we can.’”
Lizzy’s family also shared a statement, thanking the first responders for their help. “Lizzy loves all first responders,” the family said. “She was extremely patriotic and wholeheartedly supported the U.S. military, as well as her local police, sheriff and fire departments. She was a warm, kind, and selfless girl who loved everything and everyone.”
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.