9-year-old boy killed when goal post collapses at Manhattan school

HELL'S KITCHEN, Manhattan -- Neighbors on the Upper West side came home to shocking news Sunday night.

Nine-year-old Tommaso Cerase was killed when a goal post collapsed at a school, police said. The child belongs to Juventis Academy, a church group that uses Park West High School at 525 West 50th Street for indoor soccer.

It was a tragedy that strikes at the heart of every parent - how one freak accident can turn a beautiful day into a crushing nightmare. Police say Cerase was hanging on the goalpost when it collapsed, striking him in the head.

Paramedics tried valiantly to save Cerase, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"They were pumping his chest, but he was unresponsive," said one eyewitness.

On behalf of the grieving family, a statement was released to the Daily News, saying, "Today our dearest son passed away in an unfortunate incident at his soccer practice. He was full of life and joy."

Eyewitness News reached out to the soccer academy to learn more about the fatal accident. The New York City Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

Report a typo to the ABC13 staff