Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2022.

A heart-wrenching incident has plunged a Long Island town into mourning as they grapple with the loss of a 10-year-old boy who tragically passed away while playing in a Little League baseball game over the weekend.

Lazar LaPenna, a fourth grader at East School in Long Beach, left the world far too soon on Friday when he collapsed while running to first base.

In an emotional interview, Eyewitness News reporter Kristin Thorne spoke with Lazar’s devastated father at their home.

“The town has been so supportive, everybody,” Gregg LaPenna said, tears welling up in his eyes.

Gregg LaPenna, who also served as the team’s coach, revealed that Lazar had been battling epilepsy for several years. He was under medical care and medication. Due to his condition, the family restricted him from participating in sports, except for baseball.

The night before the tragedy unfolded, Lazar and his family had celebrated his 10th birthday at a local restaurant. Some of his birthday presents are still on their way in the mail.

“It’s just so sad,” Gregg LaPenna said, his voice trembling with grief.

Lazar had an immense passion for the Mets and a deep love for baseball. Last Friday’s game at Point Lookout Park began like any other, with Lazar eagerly participating, but it took a sudden and tragic turn.

Gregg LaPenna recounted the heart-wrenching moment, saying, “The last moment I saw was him standing on first, and he turned to me with a smile. I looked at my scorebook to mark down the hit, and I heard his brother say, ‘Lazar’s having a seizure.’ I looked down, he’s lying on first base. When I looked at his face, I knew something was really wrong, not like a regular seizure.”

Lazar’s 12-year-old brother, Gerry LaPenna, was coaching first base at that time and described how his brother tried to hold onto him before collapsing.

“He was a really good kid,” Gerry said, his voice filled with sorrow. “He loved everything he did.”

Despite the efforts of EMTs who tirelessly performed CPR on Lazar, their attempts to revive him were tragically unsuccessful.

Describing his son as a gentle soul, Gregg LaPenna shared that Lazar never wanted to be alone, and his memory will forever remain close to their hearts.

This unforeseen tragedy has deeply affected the community. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher offered condolences and announced that grief counselors would be available throughout the week to provide support to students, parents, and school staff who are struggling with the loss.

The Little League expressed their condolences and announced that the rest of the season would be dedicated to the LaPenna family, with a moment of silence planned before Monday’s game.

At Point Lookout Park, touching tributes in the form of baseball caps signed with Lazar’s name have been left behind by children who shared in his love for the game.

Sources: ABC 7 NY