JACKSON, Minn. — A community mourns the loss of a 1-year-old boy who fell from a hotel window
Young Madden Hein was visiting Sioux Falls, South Dakota with his family when the tragic accident occurred.
Authorities in Sioux Falls responded to a call on Saturday morning reporting the fall from a third-floor hotel window.
"It was an accident," stated Amy Schuett, a close family friend.
Madden Hein's parents, Kathryn and Alex Hein, are educators in the Jackson County School District.
The school district has decided to cancel classes in light of the tragedy.
Madden's legacy will continue through organ donation, and a special honor walk was held in his memory at a hospital in Sioux Falls.
"The staff lined the halls of the hospital and the family was there with Madden, walking him to surgery to donate his organs, and it was an amazing experience, but yet heart-wrenching at the same time," said Schuett. "That was probably the hardest thing I will ever do in my life. It was so uplifting at the same time, just knowing that Madden's going to help all these little kids."
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On Facebook, Madden's mother wrote her son had gained his angel wings. The community in Jackson has shown up big time, said Schuett.
"They're coming together with meals and donations and anything they could possibly need," she said.
For a family who needs all they can get after losing their real life superhero.
"Pray for Kathryn and Alex and their families, they really need our support right now," said Schuett.
A celebration of life service for Madden will be held this Saturday at the Jackson County Central High School gymnasium.
