8-year-old dies on playground in The Colony

THE COLONY, Texas - Students at an elementary school in The Colony are mourning the sudden death of an 8-year-old boy.

Landon Holland was found unconscious Saturday on the playground outside Peters Colony Elementary School. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.  

Authorities said his death does not appear to be suspicious. They believe he died because of a medical emergency and said no foul play was involved. The family says the medical examiner believes a blood clot may be to blame.

Hundreds joined together in The Colony Monday afternoon to remember Landon. His parents, friends and people in the community met for an emotional tribute at that same elementary school park.

Landon’s parents say early indications are he had an arterial embolism, basically a blood clot in an artery. It’s something that could have struck anywhere at any time.

Friends and family remembered the young sweet boy taken from them way too soon. A couple of hundred people gathered for the emotional vigil.

Landon’s parents, Belinda and Brian, said he was an otherwise healthy 8-year-old with no known health conditions, making his death all the more surprising and painful.

Brian talked lovingly about his son and made it a point to let Landon’s friend who was with him know that they appreciate him trying to help their son.

“He was there with him, and he had to experience something he didn’t understand. And he went to tried to help. Any point of responsibility is not on him. He needs to know that he’s loved and my son would not want him to feel regretful for anything,” Landon’s parents said. “Landon showed us probably more than we showed him. He showed us so much about life.”

Landon was the youngest of two boys. His dad says Landon told his 15-year-old brother where he was headed, gave him a hug and said he loved him before he walked out the door for the last time. His dad told the crowd gathered that he was glad Landon and his friend had gotten away from video games and were playing outside.

Counselors were present at the school today for those who needed to talk. The family is working on Landon’s arrangements.