An 8-year-old boy has died after falling from the balcony of a high-rise condo building in Aventura Thursday afternoon, officials said.
The incident happened just after 3 p.m. at the Echo building at 3200 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura police officials said.
The boy, later identified as Justin Fernandes-Pedra, was airlifted to Joe DiMaggio Hospital in Hollywood and was pronounced dead upon arrival, officials said.
"One of our school resource officers assigned to the charter elementary school right across the street arrived within minutes and began CPR as well as other arriving officers on the scene," Aventura Police Sgt. Chris Goranitis said.
Fernandes-Pedra fell from the 12th floor and landed at Peace Park right next to the condo building. It's unclear why he went up to the roof of the high-rise but officials said it appears to be an accidental fall.
Authorities said the boy was a resident of Aruba and was visiting Aventura with family.
"We are in touch with the parents, and the parents were at the scene and did go to the hospital with the child in air rescue," Goranitis said.
Now Aventura residents are hoping to unite the community in prayer by organizing a vigil.
"This vigil that we're organizing will help bring not only a little bit of light, but a lot of understanding to the family, this community, and bring some healing," said Michael Manzur.
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Organizers of the vigil don't know the family but say they were very affected by the news of the boy's death.
The vigil is planned at or near Peace Park 7 p.m. Sunday. Everyone is welcome to attend.
