On a quiet Tuesday afternoon in College Park, Maryland, the peaceful hum of daily life was shattered by a tragedy that left an entire community reeling. Just before 2 p.m. on August 12, 2025, emergency crews rushed to the 9300 block of Cherry Hill Road after a 3-year-old child fell from a sixth-story height at a local apartment complex, according to both the Prince George's County Fire Department and the Prince George's County Police Department. The complex sits less than three miles north of the University of Maryland, a location familiar to many in the area.
Details of the incident remain somewhat murky. According to WUSA9, officers responded at 1:52 p.m. after receiving reports of a child falling from the balcony. Fire officials on the scene confirmed that the toddler had indeed plummeted from the sixth floor, and the Prince George's County Fire Department stated that first responders treated the child at the scene before the U.S. Park Police's Eagle One helicopter airlifted the child to a nearby trauma center. The child, a 3-year-old boy, was immediately taken to Children's National Hospital, where he remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries as of Tuesday evening.
The moments following the fall were chaotic and heart-wrenching. A witness, who spoke to WUSA9, described the horror of the scene: "All I heard was a lady screaming, like a loud scream, and I looked down and saw a kid laying down on the ground. It was a really bad situation ... Me and my mom rushed down there to see what was going on ... A second later the mom arrived, too." The account paints a vivid picture of the shock and panic that gripped those nearby, as neighbors and loved ones rushed to the child's side, desperate to help in any way they could.
Yet, a crucial detail remains unresolved: how exactly did the child fall? Conflicting reports have emerged regarding whether the child fell from a balcony or a window. The Prince George's County Fire Department reported the fall as being from a balcony, while a witness on the scene claimed to have seen the child fall from a window that was missing a screen. WUSA9 also noted that a spokesperson for the fire department maintained it was a balcony, but Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy's office referred to it as a window in her official statement. This uncertainty has only added to the distress of the community, as residents and officials alike await further clarification from the ongoing investigation.
In the hours following the incident, Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy issued a somber statement to the public, expressing the collective grief and support of the local community. "It is with a heavy heart that I share news of a heartbreaking incident that occurred in our County. A toddler fell from a sixth-story window and was airlifted by Medivac via the U.S. Park Police Eagle 1 helicopter to Children's National Hospital. The most recent reports confirm that the child is in critical condition. On behalf of the residents of Prince George's County, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and let them know that our thoughts are with their son, the family, and those affected by this unimaginable event. No family should ever have to experience such pain and fear, and as a community, we stand with them during this incredibly difficult time."
Braveboy also took a moment to recognize the first responders and medical personnel who reacted swiftly and professionally, ensuring that the child received the best possible chance at survival. "We are grateful to first responders and medical personnel whose swift actions and professionalism gave this child the best possible chance at survival. Their service reminds us of the extraordinary commitment of those who protect and care for our community each and every day," she said. Her words resonated with many in the area, who have come to rely on the dedication of local emergency crews in moments of crisis.
The cause of the fall remains under investigation, with authorities working diligently to determine exactly what happened. As of August 12, no further details have been released regarding whether negligence, faulty infrastructure, or a tragic accident led to the child's fall. The uncertainty has prompted some residents to call for increased safety measures in high-rise apartment complexes, particularly regarding window and balcony protections. It's a conversation that has surfaced before in the region, as similar incidents—though rare—have occurred in other parts of the Washington metropolitan area, raising questions about building codes and child safety regulations.
For many parents in College Park and beyond, the incident has struck a nerve. The thought of a young child suffering such a traumatic accident is every caregiver's nightmare. The community has responded with an outpouring of support, prayers, and concern for the child's family. As Braveboy put it, "As we await further updates, I ask all Prince Georgians to join me in keeping this child and their loved ones in your prayers. We are a strong and compassionate County, and now is the time to show that strength through support, love, and unity." Her call to unity has been echoed across social media and in local gatherings, as neighbors check in on one another and offer whatever comfort they can.
Meanwhile, the incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards in residential buildings, particularly those housing families with young children. Advocacy groups and local officials have long urged landlords and property managers to ensure that windows are equipped with proper screens, locks, and guards, and that balconies are secured to prevent accidental falls. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, falls from windows and balconies are a leading cause of injury and death among young children in the United States. In many cases, such tragedies are preventable with relatively simple interventions—window guards, reinforced screens, and vigilant supervision.
As the investigation continues, residents of College Park are left grappling with a sense of shock and sorrow. The events of August 12 have left an indelible mark on the community, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety. For now, all eyes remain on the recovery of the young boy, whose fight for survival has united a county in hope and compassion.
While the facts of the case are still being pieced together, one thing is clear: the swift response of first responders and the outpouring of community support have provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of tragedy. As more information emerges in the coming days, residents and officials alike will be watching closely, eager for answers—and, above all, for news of the child's recovery.