The loss of a young life is a profound tragedy that leaves an unhealable wound for family and friends, a pain that becomes even more intense when the death happens suddenly and unexpectedly. For the LaPenna family, the heartbreak of losing their beloved son, Lazar, struck them on a Friday evening, and they are still grappling with the shock of the event.

Lazar was a bright and active 10-year-old boy who attended East School in Long Beach. He was known for his enthusiasm and love for baseball, an interest that filled his childhood with joy. He had joined a Little League team and enjoyed the camaraderie of playing the sport. On the evening of April 29, 2022, Lazar was playing a baseball game at Point Lookout Park in Lido Beach, when an unexpected event shattered his family’s world. As he was sprinting towards first base, he suddenly collapsed, overcome by an epileptic seizure.

At the time, his father, Gregg LaPenna, was on the sidelines, coaching the team. When Lazar collapsed, it was clear to Gregg that something was terribly wrong. His son had been diagnosed with epilepsy several years prior, and the family had worked hard to manage his condition through medication. However, in this moment, the seizure proved to be far more severe than anything they had encountered before. Despite the family’s best efforts to control the disorder, this tragic incident unfolded in front of their eyes.

Gregg explained in the aftermath that while Lazar’s epilepsy was a known factor in their lives, it was important for everyone to understand that the sport of baseball had no role in his death. Lazar had been thrilled with his performance in the game, having already managed to hit the ball earlier that day, something that filled him with excitement and pride. He loved the game, and it was clear that it was one of his greatest joys. The heartbreaking twist, however, was that something beyond the family’s control took his life so suddenly.

Epilepsy, a common disorder affecting the brain’s electrical activity, can happen to people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a condition where nerve cells in the brain misfire, creating abnormal electrical signals that interfere with the brain’s normal function. This disruption can cause seizures, which can vary in intensity and duration, and can be triggered by a range of factors including fever, low or high blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, or head injuries.

For a child to be diagnosed with epilepsy, they must experience multiple seizures that do not have an identifiable trigger. While there are treatments to help manage the condition, there is no known cure. The LaPenna family had worked with doctors to find the best treatments for Lazar, but the tragedy was that no amount of preparation could prevent this sudden loss.

The scene on the field was chaotic and filled with fear as Lazar collapsed to the ground. His older brother, Gerry, was coaching first base that evening, and when Lazar reached the base, he leaned on his brother for support, but he immediately fell. Gerry’s shock was palpable as he witnessed his younger brother in distress.

Seeing this unfold, Gregg knew immediately that this was no ordinary seizure. He had been through many moments of fear with his son’s condition, but this time, it was different. Paramedics were quickly on the scene and began CPR in an attempt to revive Lazar, but their efforts were in vain. Despite their best efforts, Lazar’s life could not be saved. The family, who had been living with the reality of Lazar’s health condition for years, was forced to confront the unimaginable loss of their child.

The LaPenna family had been well-known in their community, especially within the local Little League program. Lazar’s family was deeply involved in the team and the sport for generations, and his sudden death left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Messages of support flooded in from friends, family, and well-wishers who remembered Lazar fondly as a bright, energetic child full of potential.

Lazar was also a huge fan of the Mets, and his passion for the team had been a significant part of his life. In the days following his passing, many tributes poured in from those who had witnessed his joy and spirit in the game. His family shared heartfelt messages that underscored the deep impact Lazar had on everyone who knew him.

In response to the tragedy, the school district where Lazar had attended school released a statement addressing the impact on the community. Dr. Jennifer Gallagher, the district’s superintendent, reassured the public that the school system was ready to support students, parents, and staff through this difficult time. She emphasized the availability of the Crisis Intervention Team, which is trained to help individuals cope with grief and loss during challenging moments like this.

The Little League program, where Lazar had spent so much time and where his family had contributed for years, also issued a statement mourning the loss. They extended their deepest sympathies to the LaPenna family, acknowledging the devastating impact of Lazar’s death on both his immediate family and the community that had surrounded him. The statement expressed how the loss of such a vibrant young boy had left everyone reeling, as they remembered Lazar’s spirit and dedication to the sport he loved.

The sudden death of Lazar LaPenna was a shock to his family, friends, and community. It was a cruel reminder of how fragile life can be, and how quickly everything can change. The LaPenna family, who had dealt with the challenges of Lazar’s epilepsy for many years, never imagined that they would lose him so suddenly and so soon. The loss of their son and brother has left them grappling with grief that no family should ever have to experience.

As the community mourns Lazar’s untimely passing, his family clings to the memories of his joyful spirit, his love for baseball, and the impact he had on everyone he met. The LaPenna family’s hearts remain heavy, but they find solace in knowing that Lazar’s life was filled with love, passion, and the happiness of a child who was truly loved by all who knew him.