PHOENIX — Phoenix police say a child has died after an incident on Wednesday at the Arizona Biltmore Resort.
Emergency crews were called out to the scene near 24th Street and Camelback Road before 9 a.m. for reports of an injured child.
Watch video from the scene in the player below:
Officials say an 8-year-old boy suffered a serious head injury after a large concrete or cement object landed on him.
Video from the scene appears to show a large statue that had fallen over and broken into pieces, surrounded by police tape. Firefighters believe the statue fell on the child.
Officials say the boy died from his injuries at a hospital on Saturday.
Phoenix police say no foul play is suspected at this time.
The Arizona Biltmore released the following statement on this incident:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the family's loss and extend our heartfelt condolences. We wish them peace and respect their right to privacy during this difficult time. Our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for our guests is paramount and we continue to cooperate fully with all authorities investigating this incident."
A lawyer representing the family provided the following statement to ABC15:
On behalf of the family of Luke Linnett, who was so tragically taken from them by this incident, they would appreciate their privacy being respected by all in this difficult time of mourning and grieving. The incident here was a horrific way to celebrate what otherwise was intended as a joyous day of Thanksgiving. Any parent can understand the deep sorrow this incident has caused in their lives forever. It should never have occurred, and while certainly not intentional, his death was a needless sacrifice for no good reason, when the accident should have been foreseen and avoided, given the circumstances. The failure to secure these statues in a safe manner, or to warn of their danger, or to take reasonable steps to avoid it, knowing young children would be playing there in the grass around them, and inviting it, is beyond tragic and inexcusable. It should never happen again. We pray for the family grieving.
Dennis I. Wilenchik
