Boy, 8, Dies After Becoming Unresponsive During World Cup Watch Party: 'Every Sign Points to Accidental Drowning’ Police Say

Paloma ChavezWed, June 17, 2026 at 9:42 PM UTC

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8-Year-old Taylor Thach died in a potential drowning during a World Cup Watch party in CaliforniaCredit: Gofundme -

An 8-year-old boy died after becoming unresponsive during a World Cup watch party in El Segundo, California

Although an autopsy remains pending, police tell PEOPLE "every sign points to accidental drowning"

A GoFundMe campaign for the boy's family has raised over $80,000 as of Wednesday, June 17

An 8-year-old boy died after becoming unresponsive during a World Cup watch party, officials said.

Around 7:30 p.m. local time on Friday, June 12, officers responded to a home after getting reports of an unresponsive child, El Segundo Police Department Investigations Lieutenant Eric Atkinson tells PEOPLE.

First responders tried performing life-saving measures at the scene before the boy, identified as Taylor Thach, was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he eventually died.

The incident happened at a World Cup watch party at another family's home, Atkinson says, adding that although the autopsy has not been performed yet "every sign points to accidental drowning."

The investigation remains ongoing as officers are still collecting statements from those at the watch party.

A GoFundMe campaign set up on behalf of his family described Taylor as a caring and friendly boy known for his kindness.

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"Affectionate and polite, he often went out of his way to ask others how they were doing or to wish them a good day. He brought joy to those around him," loved ones wrote. "Please keep the Thach family, Taylor's classmates, teachers, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers."

As of Wednesday, June 17, the fundraiser had raised more than $80,000, far surpassing its $5,000 goal.

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"Taylor was a third-grade student at Center Street School who was friendly, kind, affectionate, and polite," the city of El Segundo wrote in a separate statement. "He brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His passing is an indescribable loss to his family, the Center Street community, and all of El Segundo."

The school will be offering counseling to students and staff, according to local ABC affiliate KABC-TV.

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Source: “AOL Sports”