Las Vegas teen identified as drowning victim following east valley flooding
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A Las Vegas teenager was identified as a drowning victim by the Clark County Coroner’s office after reportedly floating down an innertube in floodwater over the weekend.
Ryan Taylor, 13, was found in the 5600 block of Boulder Highway on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 3:17 p.m., the coroner’s office stated on Monday.
Flash flood warning, rain, lightning moves across Las Vegas valley
The teen had reportedly been floating in the water when he was injured and taken to the hospital where he died on Sept. 3 at 2:35 a.m.
Taylor’s death was ruled an accidental drowning, according to the coroner’s office.
A full statement from Ryan Taylor’s father is provided below.
“Words cannot express the pain of losing your child. We lost our firstborn, a friend to so many, and big brother to his brother and sisters. So quickly things can change from fun. Floodwaters are not a joke or to be played with.
Social media videos can make it seem safe, fun, or comical but power of water is unimaginable.
Thank you to the brave residents who helped lift the car and pull him out with me. And the first responders for all of their efforts. I’m sorry to everyone who knew my son. Please remember his life and memories and help him live on through our love.”
Mathew Taylor, father of Ryan Taylor
The family set up a GoFundMe account which had raised more than $6,000 as of Monday night.
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