The passing of a loved one is always a difficult reality, especially when the individual is young. The LaPenna family faced profound grief one Friday evening when they lost their cherished son.
Lazar LaPenna was a fourth-grade student at East School in Long Beach. The 10-year-old participated in a baseball team and was actively engaged in the sport.
During a game at Point Lookout Park in Lido Beach on April 29, 2022, while running to first base, LaPenna suffered an epileptic seizure. His father, Gregg LaPenna, who was also his team’s coach, witnessed the event unfold from the sidelines.
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Gregg LaPenna revealed that his son had been diagnosed with epilepsy a few years prior, and the family was managing his condition with medication. He clarified that baseball was not the cause of his son’s tragic passing.
Despite his health challenges, Lazar adored baseball and was exhilarated when he achieved a hit earlier in the game!
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common nervous system disorder affecting individuals of all races and ethnicities. The condition arises from abnormal electrical signals disrupting the brain’s normal communication between nerve cells, leading to seizures.
Epileptic seizures can be triggered by various factors like high fever, blood sugar fluctuations, substance withdrawal, or head injuries. The diagnosis of epilepsy is typically made after an individual experiences at least two unprovoked seizures. Presently, there is no cure for epilepsy; treatment focuses on managing the condition.
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At the baseball game, Lazar’s older brother Gerry LaPenna was coaching first base. When Lazar reached first base and leaned on his brother for support, he suddenly collapsed.
Upon witnessing the distressing scene, Gregg LaPenna commented that he sensed this was not an ordinary seizure. Despite efforts from paramedics to revive Lazar, their attempts were unsuccessful.
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Messages on social media highlighted Lazar LaPenna’s fondness for the Mets baseball team.
Dr. Jennifer Gallagher, the superintendent of Lazar’s school district, addressed concerns on Facebook following the tragic event, offering support to students, parents, and school staff during this challenging time.
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She reassured, “Our schools have crisis intervention teams to assist with the needs of students, parents, and staff during difficult times like this.”
The Little League also issued a statement expressing condolences and recognizing the LaPenna family’s longstanding involvement in the program through generations.
The statement conveyed, “Our deepest sympathies go out to mother Monique, father and coach Gregg, brothers Gerry and Blaze, and the entire LaPenna family,” concluding with, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this time.”
The untimely loss of Lazar LaPenna deeply impacted both his family and the community, leaving a void too significant to fill.
Let’s unite in prayer for Lazar LaPenna and his family.
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