‘We don’t even know what happened’: Heartbroken parents seek answers after 5yo son dies during overnight stay at friend’s house

The parents of an Indiana child who died while staying over at a friend’s house have spoken of the heartbreak and grief they experienced after receiving the news. 5-year-old Jagger Wing died suddenly on Saturday May 30 and his parents are looking for answers.

Jagger Wing was found unresponsive and rushed to Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. According to an obituary, he was later pronounced dead. Wing was described as a “sweet, kind, caring, energetic and enthusiastic boy,” born to “loving parents” Damon and Alexandria Wing.

Jagger had been playing at a friend’s house and everything had been normal up until the night. “He had played hard outside,” Jagger’s mom told NBC affiliate WFIE, “He was with his friends. He was staying the night at a friend’s house when it happened. My best friend of 17 years and I can’t imagine that feeling and situation. I hate that I wasn’t there.”

Jagger’s cause of death is still unconfirmed

His parents told WFIE that their son’s passing was a complete shock and that doctors were still trying to determine exactly what had caused Jagger Wing to pass away so suddenly. They are currently trying to find out if the 5-year-old had any heart conditions that could have affected his health.

“We do have a family history of cardiac issues,” Alex Wing said, adding “I want to just express knowing family histories and genetic testing and how important that that can be to prevent anything.” The Wing family were told that there was nothing they could have done to prevent what happened to their son but at the same time, “we also don’t even know what happened,” Alex said.

Due to the apparent history of heart conditions in the family they have chosen to test their daughters to see if a condition was passed down. So far all of the test results have come back normal.

A GoFundMe was also set up for Jagger in order to help support the family with medical expenses and the funeral costs which the family are having to deal with. The page described Jagger as “an amazing brother to an older sister and a younger sister.” It continued, 

“His presence brought joy and light to everyone around him, and his memory will forever be cherished by his parents, siblings, family, and friends.” It continued. The GoFundMe has raised over $23,000 so far with a goal of $26,000. The funeral for Jagger Wing is expected to be held on Wednesday, June 10 according to the obituary.