Who was Tate Holtzman? Vermont toddler, 3, dies four days after falling into an underground water storage tank
BURLINGTON, VERMONT: A three-year-old tot, who tragically fell into underground water storage tank, died after spending four days in intensive care. A lifeguard found Tate Holtzman ten minutes after he fell into the below-ground water storage tank without anyone noticing him. The toddler disappeared while he was playing at a nearby splash pad spray pool.
On-duty lifeguards were able to rescue the boy from the basin but, according to a preliminary investigation, Holtzman was in the water for around 10 minutes before he was freed.
Who was Tate Holtzman?
Vermont authorities said that Tate Holtzman, three, died after he fell into a water storage tank last week. The child's parents had booked him into the day camp at the Smugglers' Notch Resort water park in Cambridge on July 6 as a special treat. However, in a tragic turn of events, he breathed his last four days later on July 10 after being rushed to the intensive care unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Tate Holtzman's cause of death
Holtzman died as a result of accidental drowning, the Chief Medical Examiner's Office for Vermont has said. At around 2.45 pm on July 6, state police said emergency crews were called to the resort with reports of a child who dropped into an underground storage tank filled with water while walking in an area near an outdoor splash pad.
A GoFundMe was organized by Kali Brgant for the family. "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", Kali wrote. "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 has raised more than $76,000 after initially setting out to raise $65,000 for the devastated family. Many people in the community also grieved after they came to know about the unfortunate event. "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", Jaclyn Ryan, one supporter, said.
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."
'Tate deeply understood empathy and compassion'
'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", an obituary for young Tate said. "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."