Bellamy Dawkins-Morris was just five years old when a heavy video board came down on him at Riviera Elementary School. It happened right there in his classroom in Palm Bay on Wednesday morning. Staff rushed over and called for help right away. They did what they could but the little boy did not make it.
He got taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center. Doctors worked on him but Bellamy passed away from his injuries. The board weighed about 120 pounds. It had been mounted on the wall. Police say it looks like a tragic accident so far. They are still looking into every detail.
Bellamy had autism. His family said he was learning and making real progress. He liked to smile a lot. Great-aunt Melissa Rodriguez called him the sweetest little boy. She said he was rambunctious like any kid. He played with his brother and ran around.
The family heard he had been moving the board back and forth. Other kids were lining up at the time. Then it tipped and fell. They want to know if it was secured right. They also wonder about the supervision that day.
A memorial started growing outside the school. Flowers and balloons show up there. Parents talk to their kids about what happened. One mom told her daughter a friend would not come back this year.
The school district started checking every similar board across all campuses. They say the boards got put up by a licensed company. Superintendent Mark Rendell said their hearts are with the family. Palm Bay police keep investigating.
Bellamy left behind a family that faces days full of quiet now. They ask for help with the costs of saying goodbye. People share his story and keep the family in their thoughts. His short time mattered to the ones who knew him.
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