Tragedy as 11-year-old boy suddenly dies while on a fun day with pals at California waterpark

A young boy died after suffering a medical emergency while on what was supposed to be a fun day at a California waterpark with his youth group over the weekend.

Titus Mark Wininger, 11, of Escondido, died on June 22 while at the Wild Rivers waterpark in Irvine with his friends. 

Fire crews and police were called to the park on Saturday after responding to a 'non-water, but medical related incident'. 

The Orange County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday said that Wininger's death was tied to a rare congenital heart defect. 

Sgt. Matt Parrish, a sheriff's spokesman, told the Orange County Register that the young boy appears to have died from 'anomalous insertion of coronary arteries.' 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition happens when an artery is not properly formed before childbirth. 

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anomaly and sudden cardiac arrest or death during exertion may be the first sign of it. 

The artery being in the wrong place can disrupt the way blood flows through the heart, resulting in chest pain and shortness of breath. 

According to the clinic, it affects one percent of the population worldwide who often don't suffer any consequences. 

A GoFundMe has since been established following his passing to help assist his family. 

A post on the fundraiser said: '11 year old Titus Wininger passed away suddenly on June 22.

'Titus was with his youth group at a water park when he became unresponsive and the medical staff attended to him immediately. 

'While the family is still waiting for more information or to understand why, we would like to meet them with love, support, and a monetary donation that they may need in this time of sorrow.'

In a statement, the park said: 'We are deeply saddened to share that an incident occurred today at Wild Rivers. 

'A 12-year-old boy experienced a non-water, but medical related incident outside one of our pools. 

'Despite the swift response from our team and emergency services, he sadly passed away later at the hospital. 

'Our hearts go out to the boy’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.'