12-year-old cruise ship passenger falls to his death on final day of journey
A 12-year-old boy fell to his death from a balcony on a Royal Caribbean ship just before it docked in Texas on the final day of a weeklong cruise, according to reports.
The unidentified preteen fell from an upper deck — where he had climbed a balcony — and landed in the “Central Park” area of the Harmony of the Seas, a bustling spot filled with bars, restaurants and shops, according to People.
The ship’s crew tried to resuscitate the boy, but he died before the boat could dock in Galveston on Sept. 8, Royal Caribbean Blog reported.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests,” a Royal Caribbean rep told The Post in an emailed statement.
“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time,” the statement continued. “For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”
The Harmony of the Seas had just finished a seven-night cruise through the western Caribbean when the tragedy happened, the blog reported.
Witnesses say the boy had been playing with friends he’d met on board just before he tumbled over the stateroom’s balcony railing, it added.
“My daughter was friends with him and said he was upset today,” Sara Tullas, who appears to be a passenger, wrote in a Harmony of the Seas Facebook group.
“If anyone knows the family, please send them thoughts and prayers,” the post continued. “I don’t want to release his name, but wow. I wish I would have known he was struggling today.”
The ordeal also delayed the ship’s plan to board passengers for the next voyage.
