By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Lazar LaPenna was playing a game that he loved. Moments later, he had passed away.
An official cause of death has not been released yet. He was 10.
The fourth-grader at East School was playing in a Little League game in Long Island, New York. He collapsed on the field shortly after he began his run to first base.
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His father, Gregg LaPenna, who was a coach of his team, said that Lazar was previously diagnosed with epilepsy. He had been taking medication to help with his condition.
“He was such a gentle soul,” Gregg LaPenna said to ABC Eyewitness News’ Kristin Thorne. “He never wanted to be alone. We’re going to keep him close to us.”
Before running to first base, he had been hit by a pitch. Moments later, he had placed his arm on his shoulder.
Gerry LaPenna, his 12-year-old brother, said that Lazar was having a seizure.
The Little League is dedicating their season to Lazar.
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“Our deepest sympathies go out to mother Monique, father and coach Gregg, brothers Gerry and Blaze, and the entire LaPenna family,” their statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.”
10-year-old Lazar LaPenna loved the @Mets and loved life. He died on Friday during a Little League game in Long Beach. His dad – the coach – told me that Lazar hit the ball, ran to first base and then died of an epileptic seizure. Our hearts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/KRLQIURGm2
— Kristin Thorne (@KristinThorne) May 2, 2022
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