A tragic accident at a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game claimed the life of 5-year-old Declan Hicks when a bounce house went airborne, causing multiple injuries and prompting the community to rally in support.

The incident occurred when a sudden gust of wind lifted the bounce house 15 to 20 feet into the air, critically injuring young Declan Hicks, who succumbed to his injuries at Children's Hospital. The tragedy has deeply affected the La Plata community, leading to canceled local events, including the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs' games and the flag football team's match. In response, the community has come together, raising over $13,500 for Hicks's family and dedicating upcoming sports seasons in his memory, while local organizations offer support and condolences.

During the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball game, a strong gust of wind lifted a bounce house approximately 15 to 20 feet into the air. The airborne bounce house resulted in life-threatening injuries to 5-year-old Declan Hicks from La Plata. Hicks was attended to by first responders who were dispatched by Charles County officials and was airlifted to Children's Hospital by Maryland State Police, where he later died.

Despite the efforts of first responders and being airlifted to Children's Hospital by Maryland State Police, Hicks tragically passed away due to the severity of his injuries. Other children who were in the bounce house at the time sustained injuries, with one child suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs promptly canceled their games and all activities scheduled for Saturday, August 3. They also provided counseling and support for those affected by the accident. Expressing their condolences, they acknowledged the tragic loss of Hicks and extended their concern for the injured child.

In honor of Declan Hicks, the La Plata Blue Knights Football and Cheerleading Organization has decided to dedicate their upcoming season to his memory. Players will wear commemorative patches in his honor. Similarly, Hicks's flag football team canceled its game on the following Saturday and plans to wear patches featuring his number to pay tribute to their teammate.

Hicks's grandparents are active members of the South Potomac Church, which has offered crisis counseling services and expressed its condolences to the grieving family. The church community has shown strong support during this difficult time.

The broader La Plata community has also rallied around Hicks's family. A fundraiser organized to support the family financially has managed to collect over $13,500. This outpouring of financial and emotional support underscores the community's solidarity in the wake of such a heartbreaking incident.