‘He Isn't Scared of Anything': Community Honors Boy Who Died After Falling off Condo Roof

What to Know

  • Justin Fernandes-Pedra's parents said he was playing hide-and-seek with his brother when the tragic accident happened.
  • Justin, 8, landed at Peace Park and was airlifted to Joe DiMaggio’s Childrens Hospital, but he did not survive.
  • The Aventura community came together to organize a candlelight vigil for Justin, who is remembered as an outgoing, adventurous young boy.

At a candlelight vigil Sunday, dozens of people in the Aventura community came together to honor Justin Fernandes-Pedra, an 8-year-old boy who died after falling from the balcony of a high-rise condo building Thursday afternoon.

Justin's parents said he was playing hide-and-seek with his brother when the tragic accident happened.

“He decided that this looked like a trampoline from upstairs. And he told his brother that we’re gonna jump.. it’s gonna be fine, 'cause we’re gonna bounce and get on the grass,” said his mother, Isabella Sherman.

Justin landed at Peace Park and was airlifted to Joe DiMaggio’s Childrens Hospital, but he did not survive.

"He isn’t scared of anything... he was never scared of anything," his father said.

The 8-year-old lived with his father in Aruba and was a kart racing champion. He was in South Florida visiting his mother at the Echo Condominiums when the tragedy happened.

Religious leaders led the community in prayer and many also brought red balloons to release in Justin’s memory.

 “My son loved life," Sherman said. "And I will always remember him and we will always love him.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Fernandes-Pedra family with funeral costs and to help bring Justin to Aruba for a proper burial with his family. Click here for more information.

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