An unfortunate incident occurred at the Arizona Biltmore luxury resort in Phoenix last week, resulting in the tragic death of an 8-year-old boy. According to authorities, a large outdoor statue at the resort fell on the child, causing a serious head injury.
The Phoenix Fire Department responded to the scene on November 27 around 8:45 a.m. and rushed the injured child to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, the boy succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The Phoenix Police Department has stated that there are no indications of foul play, categorizing the incident as a 'tragic accident.' An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the statue's fall and how the boy was struck by it.
The fallen statue was part of a collection of 19 'solemn sprite' statues gifted to the Arizona Biltmore in 1985. These statues, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and artist Alfonso Ianelli in 1914, originally adorned the Midway Gardens in Chicago. The statues, known as 'guardians,' represent mythological beings symbolizing the elements of nature.
As seen in video footage from the scene, broken pieces of the concrete statue were scattered across the resort's lawn. The Arizona Biltmore, a historic property dating back to 1929 and listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register in 2009, is currently engaged in a multi-million dollar restoration project to preserve its original architecture, including the sprite statues.
In response to the tragedy, the resort expressed its condolences to the family of the young victim and emphasized its commitment to guest safety. The Arizona Biltmore is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation to shed light on the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking incident.
