5-year-old dies in treadmill accident at home

WHITEHALL, Pa. — A family is grieving the loss of their 5-year-old son after what the family is calling an accidental death.

Dozens of people from the Whitehall Nepali community are visiting the family during their time of mourning.

It happened at a home along Glowood Drive on Sunday.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death an accident.

The boy’s family told Channel 11 this was an accident involving a treadmill.

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According to a relative, the parents took their eyes off of their son for a split moment to bring him food. When they returned, he was laying next to the treadmill covered in blood.

Treadmill injuries send thousands to the ER every year.

In 2009, Mike Tyson’s 4-year-old daughter died from what police called a “tragic accident” on a home treadmill.

When Channel 11 visited the family’s home Monday, understandably, they were too emotional to speak. But they’ve been surrounded by loved ones as they grieve.

"There have been 15-20 cars lined up and family and their friends are coming there to help them out," Tony Balestra said.

Balestra works with the boy's mom at the Bakery Barn and said it's the memories he'll hold on to and cherish.

"Just nice little boy. They all come to congregate in the one backyard and they all are on the trampoline. Always very respectful," Balestra said.

The family told Channel 11 they hope to use their story to spread awareness about the dangers of treadmills in the near future.

Cox Media Group