The Orlando Fire Department confirmed that one person was injured and transported to the hospital following the incident
A seven-year-old boy, Alexander, is recovering after undergoing emergency heart surgery following a freak accident at a drone light show in Orlando on Saturday night, December 21. The incident occurred at Lake Eola Park, where the family was attending a holiday-themed drone display.
According to Alexander’s parents, Adriana Edgerton and Jessica Lumsden, multiple drones fell from the sky during the event, with one striking Alexander directly in the chest. The impact knocked him unconscious and caused severe injuries, including damage to his heart valve.
“Before we realised it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious. He had blood coming out of his face,” Edgerton told *WESH News*. The drone’s force left a visible imprint on Alexander’s chest, while its blade caused lacerations to his mouth.
Emergency Response & Surgery
The Orlando Fire Department confirmed that one person was injured and transported to the hospital following the incident, later identified as Alexander. He was rushed into hours-long open-heart surgery to address the damage.
In a social media post, Edgerton shared her anguish: “God please be with me! My baby is going into emergency heart surgery off of just trying to watch a drone show at Lake Eola Park! I am beyond words, beyond terrified!”
Calls For Accountability
Alexander’s parents are now calling for stricter safety measures at public events to prevent such incidents in the future. “This should not have happened, and no family should be going through this. We were trying to watch a show and have a good time,” Edgerton said.
The parents also expressed their intent to hold the event organisers accountable. Sky Elements Drones and the City of Orlando, which were involved in hosting the event, have yet to release detailed statements regarding the mishap.
Community & Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of drone shows, which have become increasingly popular for public events. Attendees at Lake Eola Park expressed shock and called for better oversight of such displays.
Alexander’s condition remains stable following the surgery, but the ordeal has left his family shaken. They hope their experience serves as a wake-up call for event organisers to prioritise safety in large-scale public gatherings.
