Boy Dies After Fall From Staples Center Suite

A 2-year-old boy fell to his death from a luxury suite at Staples Center while his family and others in their group were taking pictures in that section of the arena following a Lakers game, police said today.

Lucas Anthony Tang of Garden Grove died at County-USC Medical Center about 11:40 p.m. Sunday, said Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the coroner’s office. The toddler fell from a luxury suite into the lower bowl seating area — a drop of as much as 50 feet — about 9:15 p.m. and suffered head and other injuries, authorities said.

An investigation was opened by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division. In fatalities when a victim is under the age of 11, the Juvenile Division has investigative responsibility, according to the department.

According to the LAPD, the boy fell over the edge of the luxury suite where his family and others in their group had watched the Lakers defeat the Golden State Warriors. The group — which included the child’s parents and 11- year-old sister — had lingered in the box to take photos.

“Our condolences and prayers go to the Tang family. We are working with (the) Los Angeles Police Department on the investigation of this tragedy,” said Michael Roth, vice president communications for Staples Center and AEG.

The Lakers issued a statement expressing the team’s condolences.

“The Lakers organization would like to express our shock and sadness at the death of Lucas Anthony Tang. To go from a moment of happiness and enjoyment, to the loss of this boy’s life, is tragic and heartbreaking. We would like to ask Lakers fans to join us in keeping Lucas and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”