'My 8yo boy died after a freak choking accident at school'

"He just choked on something you never think, with a kid that age, you would have to worry about something like that..."

Leesa Smith

2 min read

November 29, 2022 - 1:13PM

Boy, 8, died after choking on bouncy ball at school

Family Life

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"We never would have thought we would bury him… we thought he would be burying all of us because that's how it's supposed to work."

Emma McCubbins is in the grips of the rawest and most shocking grief after losing her nephew, Landon, to the most freak accident on Monday.

The eight-year-old boy, from the US, was at school when he started to choke on a bouncy ball on Monday.

His mum drove straight over to the school, as first responders jumped into action. The fire department also attended the scene as they had already been nearby running drills, WHAS11 reported.

Landon was rushed to hospital with his distraught mother by his side, before being airlifted to Norton Children's Hospital... but it was too late for her beloved boy.

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McCubbins died after choking on a bouncy ball at school. Source: WHAS11

"My 8yo boy choked on a ball and died"

"He just loved everyone around him," his aunt Emma McCubbins said WHAS11 as she sat beside Landon's grief-stricken mum, Lauren.

"He just choked on a ball something you never think, with a kid that age, you would have to worry about something like that," Emma told the outlet.

The school sent a letter home Tuesday saying, "Landon was loved deeply by his classmates and teachers," and he was a great hugger who had a passion for farming. His family owns the Bellwood Farm in Bardstown.

"Keep sharing those stories," Emma implored. "Keep his memory alive, we just want everyone to know how great our boy was."

"You never plan to bury a baby," his devastated mum Lauren said.

Landon's mum (left) and auntie are grief-stricken by Landon's tragic death. Source: WHAS11

"We never thought we would be preparing his funeral"

Landon was the oldest of four siblings, a good friend, and very much loved by all.

Members of the community have already set up funds for the family's expenses.

"You never could think that you know you need to do something like this," Emma said as they face with the daunting task of trying to plan for the young boy's funeral.

Landon's family said they have been overwhelmed by support from neighbours, first responders, and the Boston School community.