WALDORF, Md – In a stunning development, two eyewitnesses have publicly claimed a previous incident at the Blue Crabs stadium closely mirrored Friday’s fatal tragedy that claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy. Both eyewitnesses confirmed their statements to The BayNet on Sunday morning.
One eyewitness stated he personally witnessed an incident between 2010 and 2012 where the “bouncy house” attraction at the stadium blew loose from its tie-downs with children on board and became airborne, landing on the field. This mirrors the fatal event at Friday’s game.
The witness, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was present for a Charles County Youth League (CCYL) event at the stadium with his wife and son. He stated, “We have zero axe to grind with the Blue Crabs. We went to the games as entertainment. We think it’s appalling that the bouncy house was still being used.”
These claims, if true, cast a different light on Friday’s tragic event. The incident, which went national, was widely characterized as a “freak occurrence” or a “fluke event.” If the previous incident is confirmed, it suggests Friday’s tragedy was a foreseeable and preventable episode.
The Bay Net had a stringer at the stadium on Friday evening to report shortly after the medevac helicopters cleared the scene. At about 11:15 p.m., three Blue Crabs staff members declined to comment on the events. An athlete who was on the field during the incident also declined to be identified when sharing his account.
The Blue Crabs issued a statement after Friday’s tragedy. “Our entire organization shares our condolences with the family mourning the loss of a child, and concern for the child who was injured,” said Southern Maryland Blue Crabs General Manager Courtney Knichel. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.”
General Manager Ms. Knichel responded to our email on Sunday morning seeking her comment on the story – but only referred us to the chief of media services at Charles County Government. However, the Blue Crabs’ Facebook page announced at approximately 8:30 a.m. that Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game was postponed, in addition to Saturday’s game cancellation.
This is a developing story.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
