On Friday, a tragedy occured when a 10-year-old boy from Long Island died during a Little League baseball game.
Lazar LaPenna, a fourth-grader at East School in Long Beach, collapsed on the field while running to first base at Point Lookout Park in Lido Beach. Gregg LaPenna, who is also the coach of the team, said Lazar was diagnosed several years ago with epilepsy, and was taking medication and being treated by doctors. He said the family didn’t allow Lazar to play any sports except baseball.
Gregg told ABC Eyewitness News’ Kristin Thorne that Lazar had gotten a hit before putting his arm on his shoulder and collapsing on his way to first. His 12-year-old brother, Gerry LaPenna, told their father that he was having a seizure.
“He was such a gentle soul,” Gregg LaPenna told Thorne. “He never wanted to be alone. We’re going to keep him close to us.”
What makes this even worse is that the family had just celebrated Lazar’s 10th birthday the previous night.
“He was a really good kid,” Gerry said. “He loved everything he did.”
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The remainder of the season will be dedicated to the LaPenna family and play in Lazar’s honor.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to mother Monique, father and coach Gregg, brothers Gerry and Blaze, and the entire LaPenna family,” they said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.”
