By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-14 17:57:32 | Updated at 2025-01-18 01:51:50
3 days ago
An adorable toddler has died in a freak sledding accident in North Carolina.
Ayden Sasser was playing in the snow in Whitsett, just east of Greensboro, on Saturday when tragedy struck.
The little boy died after his sled plunged into a pond in the quiet town and he became trapped under the ice. Police would not disclose his age.
Ayden's heartbroken mother, Angel Nicole Sasser, has shared a fundraiser to support her family in the wake of their son's death.
'My life...my baby...I don't know how to move forward...' the grieving mother wrote the day after he died.
'I just don't have words..no energy... nothing... this is all I have at the moment... I love you all. We just want lots of love... hugs... kind words,' she added on Tuesday.
Ayden was sledding with his friends when he plunged into the water around 9.12am on Saturday.
People tried to pull him out of the icy depths while neighbors made frantic 911 calls, but he could not be saved.
Ayden Sasser (pictured) has died in a horror sledding accident in Whitsett, North Carolina
Images from the scene show two colorful plastic sleds sat atop the iced-over pond, with a large break in the ice leading into dark, freezing water below
Ayden's heartbroken mother, Angel Nicole Sasser (pictured with Ayden and her husband Bryan), has shared a fundraiser to support her family in the wake of their son's death
Harrowing audio from the dispatchers who responded to the incident gives an insight into the horror which unfolded at the scene.
'Caller is hysterical,' a first responder can be heard saying in the audio shared with NBC affiliate WXII.
'Not answering our questions, screaming 'there's a child through the pond water'.
'Have another 911 caller confirm we have a rescue situation. Have one child in the water they can't reach; two potential rescuers are trying to get to him.'
'Fire is in the water right now. They're trying to get to him,' another first responder replied.
Images from the scene show two colorful plastic sleds sat atop the iced-over pond, with a large break in the ice leading into dark, freezing water below.
Ayden was pulled from the pond alive, but he later died in the hospital.
Ayden was playing in the snow in Whitsett, North Carolina, on Saturday when tragedy struck
Several people tried to help but the toddler could not be saved and died in the hospital
Guilford County Sheriff's Office deputies said two first responders and three more people who tried to help were also taken to the hospital.
The Whitsett Fire Department, Guilford County Emergency Medical Services and three other agencies also responded to the 911 calls.
Ayden's family has thanked people who have donated to their fundraiser.
'I am overwhelmed at the generous outpouring of so many friends, neighbors, and perhaps even strangers,' they wrote on the GoFundMe page.
'Let's keep up the momentum in support of this very special family and in memory of this precious little boy. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed so far.'
