Boy Faces Open Heart Surgery After Drone Strikes During Orlando Holiday Event

A festive holiday drone show at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando turned into a nightmare when multiple drones collided mid-air and plummeted into the crowd on Saturday night. The incident left a 7-year-old boy, Alexander Edgerton, seriously injured after one of the drones struck his chest with significant force, causing severe trauma. His mother, Adriana Edgerton, recounted the harrowing moments when her family realized Alexander had been hit. Initially unconscious and bleeding, he was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent hours of open-heart surgery to repair damage to one of his heart valves.

The drones, part of a light display organized by Sky Elements, a Texas-based company, were performing synchronized formations to holiday-themed designs. Videos captured by spectators showed drones malfunctioning mid-performance and crashing into the audience. While the cause of the malfunction remains unknown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the incident. The FAA stated that drone light shows require strict regulatory waivers and safety reviews to prevent such occurrences.

Adriana Edgerton has called for stronger safety measures at large-scale public events, emphasizing the preventable nature of her son’s injuries. ‘No family should have to go through this,’ she said. Sky Elements released a statement expressing their hopes for a full recovery for those affected and reaffirmed their dedication to upholding safety standards. Similarly, the city of Orlando extended its sympathies to the Edgerton family and others impacted, pledging full cooperation with the FAA’s investigation.

This incident has sparked broader concerns over the safety of drone displays and large-scale public events. As the FAA continues its investigation, questions linger about whether sufficient precautions were taken to ensure the safety of attendees. For now, Alexander’s family and the community await answers while focusing on his recovery.