A tragic incident unfolded at a holiday drone show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida, on December 21, when several drones unexpectedly fell from the sky, critically injuring 7-year-old Alezander Edgerton. The young boy was struck by one of the drones, leading to severe injuries and prompting emergency open-heart surgery.
The festive event, intended to dazzle the crowd with synchronized light displays, took a frightening turn shortly after the show began around 6:30 p.m. Video recordings from witnesses captured the moment the drones collided, creating chaos as they plummeted to the ground.
Alezander was hit directly in the chest, and according to his mother, Adriana Edgerton, he sustained serious injuries. "The blade cut his mouth, but there's an actual imprint of the drone on his chest," Edgerton recounted to WESH, highlighting the physical impact of the incident. Immediately following the accident, spectators instinctively ducked for cover, and Alezander was found unconscious on the ground, blood visible on his face.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene. Alezander was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent several hours of surgery to repair damage to his heart caused by the drone collision. "My baby is going to emergency heart surgery," Edgerton shared on the family's GoFundMe page, set up to help cover medical expenses. The campaign has since raised over $6,000, with donors expressing their support for the family during this challenging time.
Alezander's condition remains serious but stable as he recovers in the intensive care unit, missing out on the holiday season. "Now all he’s gonna believe is he had to get open-heart surgery four days before Christmas," Edgerton lamented, clearly distressed by the grim turn of events. Videos from the show had initially depicted the beautiful formation of drones illuminating the evening sky with Christmas-themed shapes, making the incident all the more shocking.
Sky Elements Drones, the Texas-based company responsible for the show, expressed their sorrow over the incident. They stated, "We want to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted at our Lake Eola show." They emphasized their commitment to safety and indicated they are cooperating fully with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and city officials to investigate what went wrong.
Officials from the City of Orlando confirmed they were working closely with the FAA to determine the incident's cause. They publicly expressed their thoughts for those affected, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event. The FAA has stated they will be conducting their own investigation, as drone shows typically require waivers for multiple drone operations to mitigate risks.
Witness accounts reveal the panic experienced by those attending the show. One baffled child can be heard on video asking, "Are they supposed to be falling?" as drones fell past them, eliciting gasps from the crowd. Authorities had stationed paramedics nearby, ensuring assistance could be rendered swiftly following the accident.
The city had contracted Sky Elements Drones for this event, marking the second such collaboration. Following the incident, other planned drone performances—including one scheduled for Austin's New Year's event—were canceled as concerns about safety loom large. "The drone show is canceled," confirmed Maggie Holman, a spokeswoman for the City of Austin, amid rising apprehensions about drone safety protocols.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also launched its investigation. They noted the importance of examining the safety of drone shows, which have become more popular as entertainment options across the country. The board is focused on identifying regulatory and safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
While Alezander's family navigates this heart-wrenching situation during the holiday season, it becomes imperative to evaluate the safety protocols surrounding public drone performances. The incident not only highlights the potential hazards of drone shows but also raises questions about regulations and oversight to protect both participants and spectators alike.
Authorities and companies involved must prioritize safety measures to avoid future tragedies. Alezander's recovery is at the forefront of this community's thoughts, as they rally around his family, hoping for brighter days to come.
