NEW YORK – A 13-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being left in a coma after nearly drowning in a lake in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Rikeverns Joassaint, better known as “Ricky”, was pulled out of the water on June 13.
The media report such as the New York Daily News indicates that the teenager was playing with friends in the water at about 5:30 pm when he began to hit the water until he sank. At first, those present believed that he was joking.
A walker and emergency personnel pulled him out minutes later.
The boy swam about 18 feet from shore to an area where the depth drops from five to 12 feet.
Joassaint was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.
A fundraising campaign on the GoFundMe platform opened four days ago almost reached $6,000.
Sergio Joassaint, the victim’s father, indicates in a message on the crowdfunding site that he does not lose hope that his son will wake up.
“Since the incident at the lake in Prospect Park in New York, Ricky has been fighting for his life. My son is currently in a coma. I am praying that he will open his eyes and regain consciousness of him. My heart is broken and in pieces. Our family needs help to continue supporting Ricky with his medical expenses. We are asking for help in any way that you can. Thanks for taking the time to read about Ricky,” read the parent’s call.