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Boy killed after contacting fence that was electrified

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A Georgia community is mourning the death of a 12-year-old who died after he was electrocuted by a park fence, apparently in contact with a live wire. Two other boys were also electrocuted trying to help Melquan Robinson.

Deputies say a group of boys were throwing a football on the baseball field at Flemming Park. The ball was thrown too far so Robinson climbed the fence to get it. He was electrocuted.

"This young man was where he needed to be. He was doing what he loved. He was doing what was tied to his passion, which was playing football. He was very energetic, very athletic young man, but he had a good heart. He loved his family and his family of course is dealing with the loss," family friend Don Clark told WJBF.

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He says Robinson was the first born and his little brother is now missing his hero. Robinson's parents are dealing with lots of unanswered questions.

"They're definitely upset over the fact that how could this happen. You could play the what-ifs in so many different scenarios and it would never get any better. The friends... What motivates a young boy that young to jump into action to help their friend out?" said Clark.

The mother of one of the injured boys spoke to WJBF about her son's efforts to save Robinson, saying: "There really aren't even enough words for me to tell him how brave he is. In his mind, he didn't think he could do enough. He says 'please tell him I'm sorry.' I'm like you don't understand. You didn't know, he didn't know what he was getting himself into. He was like, 'I knew he was hurting and I tried to help him and then when I tried to help him I got hurt,' but he said it was worth it."

Friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to help Robinson's family.

The community is also planning a vigil at the park Thursday evening.