The Tragic Death of Ryan Taylor: 13-yr-old Vegas boy drowns while riding inner tube through floods
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: 13-year-old Ryan Taylor met with a tragic accident while riding an inner tube in floodwaters outside his apartment complex in Las Vegas.
The horrifying incident took place when Ryan, enjoying an innocent day of fun with friends, encountered a fatal twist of fate.
Shocking footage captured the moment Ryan's life took a tragic turn as he became stuck under an SUV while riding the inflatable inner tube.
Neighbors and onlookers frantically attempted to rescue him, their desperate efforts etched in dramatic cell phone videos.
Irene Reynaga mourns the loss of Ryan Taylor
Despite the immediate response from medics who tried to resuscitate Ryan, he tragically succumbed to the accident and died early on September 3.
The Clark County coroner's office later confirmed his cause of death as an accidental drowning, adding to the profound sorrow surrounding this unfortunate incident.
Ryan's mother, Irene Reynaga, expressed her heartbreak on Instagram.
She said, "My heart hurts so much, I love you so much Ryan. I'm gonna miss you my love, I hope we gave you the best 13 years of your life, words can't express how much this hurts."
Her poignant words continued, "I wish this was all a dream. REST IN PEACE MY LOVE WE WILL LOVE YOU AND CHERISH EVERY MOMENT WE GOT TO LIVE WITH YOU I LOVE YOU FOREVER MY SWEET BOY."
Witnesses recall tragic attempt to rescue Ryan Taylor
Jennifer Webb, a resident who witnessed the children playing, shared her observations, recounting how Ryan seemed to be having a great time before the tragedy struck.
"He was waving at everybody like he was having a great time, and then he got around that curve over there, and it was like a gully," she said.
John Cruz, another resident who rushed to assist Ryan, recalled the harrowing situation. "I didn't know firsthand what was happening. The water is still flowing in hard, and I pushed through that and ended up helping bring that boy out," he said.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Irene initiated a GoFundMe page in memory of her beloved son.
Ryan, who had recently celebrated his 13th birthday on August 27, was described by his mother as an amazing kid with a big heart. The fundraiser exceeded its initial goal of $5,000, garnering $6,955 in donations to help cover funeral and memorial costs.