8-year-old Las Vegas little-leaguer collapses, dies at baseball park

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Steve Marcus

Zavian Nevius watches as his father Kory Kronos adds to a memorial for Spencer Melvin at Rainbow Family Park Thursday, April 12, 2012. Melvin, a minor league player in Peccole Little League, was about to warm up at the park Tuesday when his heart stopped, officials said.

Thu, Apr 12, 2012 (4:58 p.m.)

Family speaks about death of 8-year-old

KSNV coverage of an 8-year-old Spencer Melvin dying before a Little League baseball game, April 12, 2012.

Rainbow Family Park

Minutes before a Little League baseball game Tuesday, an 8-year-old player collapsed and died while heading toward the field, according to Vegas Valley Baseball officials.

Spencer Melvin, a minor league player in Peccole Little League, was about to warm up on a Rainbow Family Park field when his heart stopped, officials said. His father and brother — both coaches on the team — as well as league officials and medics tried using CPR to revive the boy.

Leagues around the valley have united over the child’s death and have started collecting money to help the family with funeral and medical costs.

The Redrock Little League is playing host to a benefit spaghetti lunch at noon Saturday at Rainbow Family Park, 7151 O'Bannon Drive. A plate of spaghetti will cost $5, and proceeds will be donated to the family, according to Vegas Valley Baseball officials.

Peccole Little League will sell jersey patches for players’ uniforms in honor of Melvin, according to Peccole’s website. Funds raised from sales of the patches will also benefit the family.

A memorial comprised of flowers, a cross and balloons can be seen at the park.

Little Leagues around the valley are observing April 14 as Spencer Melvin Day.

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