The heartbroken parents of young Frankie Delgado have been speaking out about their terrible loss.
Four-year-old Frankie from Texas passed away from a rare condition known as “dry drowning.”
Dry drowning, or secondary drowning, arises where water is inhaled and builds up, usually causing pulmonary oedema. The condition can be fatal, with symptoms including breathing trouble, vomiting and diarrhoea, coughing and fatigue.
Frankie had been suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea but his parents thought he had a stomach bug. When his condition worsened he was taken to hospital but sadly passed away.
While on holidays with his family, little Frankie had been knocked over by a wave while playing in shallow water. However, his parents say he “got right back up and seemed normal”. Six days later, he passed away.
Frankie’s tearful dad Francisco told TODAY: “He wasn’t just my boy, he was my best friend. I miss him so much."
He explained how the night before Frankie died, he was playing football and catch with his beloved son.
Frankie’s mum Tara said: “Our world turned upside down,” when Frankie became seriously ill last Saturday morning. Frankie had woken up during the night vomiting and in pain. “I’d never seen him like that,” his devastated dad Francisco recalled.
He stopped breathing and Francisco immediately dialled 911. Frankie was rushed to hospital but didn’t survive.
At the hospital, emergency room doctors told his parents that it appeared to be a case of “dry drowning”.
“They basically explained to us something about him ingesting water into his lungs,” Francisco said, struggling to hold back his tears.
“I believe he’s in a better place. I believe my son is an angel now.”
Although it is very rare, Frankie’s parents want to warn other families about the condition.
“Dry drowning, let’s bring it out to the world and let everyone know it exists,” Frankie’s mum Tara pleaded.
Francisco added: “I’m just trying to spread the word because you know I don’t want anyone to go through what we’re going through.”
Another loved one has set up an appeal to help Frankie’s parents cover the costs of the funeral. Desiree Sosa said: “My family and I are asking for help in this difficult time of need. I’m asking for prayers and donations in hopes to help my family grieve without the worry of expenses.”
We are thinking of Frankie’s parents and all his family at this incredibly sad time.
