13 July 2023 , 13:38
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A three-year-old boy who spent four days in an intensive care unit after falling into an underground water storage tank has died.
Tate Holtzman was found by a lifeguard 10 full minutes after he had dropped into the below-ground water storage tank without being seen. The toddler had been playing at a nearby splash pad spray pool when he disappeared.
His parents had booked him into the day camp at the Smugglers' Notch Resort water park in Cambridge, Vermont, on July 6 as a special treat. However, he died four days later on July 10 after being rushed to the intensive care unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office for Vermont has recorded his death by drowning as an accident. State police said emergency crews were called to the resort at around 2.45pm on July 6 with reports of a child who had fallen into a underground storage tank filled with water while walking in an area near an outdoor splash pad.
Tate had been playing at a nearby splash pad spray pool when he disappeared (WCAX WS)On-duty lifeguards were able to free the boy from the basin, but initial investigation showed he was in the water for around 10 minutes before being rescued.
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A GoFundMe was organised by Kali Brgant for the family. Kali wrote: "On Thursday, July 6, three-year-old Tate Holtzman was involved in a terrible tragedy while at camp. He was rushed to the UVM Medical Center where he was on life support through Saturday.
"He is at peace now. The Holtzman family is going through unspeakable, unthinkable anguish and your support is encouraged during this terrible time."
The fundraiser had initially set out to raise $65,000 for the grieving family, however, as of Thursday, July 13, it had raised almost $75,000. The appeal touched the hearts of many in the community.
One supporter Jaclyn Ryan said: "As a mother myself of young children, and a frequent visitor to Smuggs, my heart is sick for you. May you somehow find strength during this unimaginable time."
The boy was at Smuggler's Notch in Cambridge, Vermont, on a day camp as a treat (WCAX WS)Another supporter, Tracy McDermott, added: "My heart absolutely breaks for the two of you and your family. Will be thinking of you constantly - holding space and love."
Brenda Evers said: "Know that people miles away from you are sharing your heartache."
An obituary for young Tate said: "From the very beginning, he radiated positivity, joy, and love. His outgoing personality, loud laughter, and friendly demeanour made him a beloved figure with everyone he came across.
"Despite his young age, Tate deeply understood empathy and compassion. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved, and he touched everyone he interacted with in a unique way.
"His infectious spirit was a ray of sunshine' his presence could make even the toughest days seem brighter. Tate embraced every moment with enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy. H beloved to explore and learn, and his sense of wonder was contagious. Whether it was playing with toys, chasing after his friends, or cuddling up with his family, Tate did everything with his whole heart and soul."