Details emerge in deadly Arizona Biltmore statue incident
PHOENIX - We're learning more about the tragic incident at the Arizona Biltmore where a statue fell on top of a little boy, killing him.
An incident report released by the Phoenix Police Department says an eight-year-old boy, identified as Luke Linnett, grabbed onto the statue on Nov. 27 and placed one of his legs onto the statue's pedestal.
"As (redacted) lifted his other leg, the statue rocked towards (redacted). The statue fell off the pedestal while (redacted) was still holding onto the statue. (Redacted) fell to the ground with the statue striking him on the head," the report said. "The statue rolled off (redacted). Several people were seen coming to aid (redacted). It should be noted (redacted) was in close proximate when the statue fell on (redacted)."
There were two statues in the area, called "Sprites," and one stood six feet and eight inches tall, while the other stood seven feet and five inches tall. Police didn't say which one fell on Luke.
The report says the family checked into the resort on Nov. 26. Luke's mother, Lauren Linnett, was reportedly waiting for groceries to be delivered to the resort when the incident happened.
"Lauren came down from her hotel room with (redacted) and her five-year-old child to collect the groceries she had ordered from the delivery driver. While Lauren gathered her groceries, (redacted) and (redacted) walked toward the grassy area. Suddenly, Lauren heard (redacted) yelling to call 911," the report said.
She told the police that no one called 911, but witnesses helped Luke. That's when she called 911.
Luke had undergone surgery at Phoenix Children's Hospital, but police say the medical staff told them his injury was a "non-survivable brain injury." On Nov. 28, Luke died from his injuries, the report says.
Police say Arizona Biltmore would not provide them with a copy of the surveillance video unless they had a court order. However, investigators were able to review the footage.
The police report says the family was visiting from Iowa.
More than a month after the incident, FOX 10 confirmed those two statues have been taken down.
Background on the statues
Frank Lloyd Wright collaborated with artist Alfonso Ianelli to create the sprites in 1914.
"Originally designed for the Midway Gardens in Chicago, these sculptures embodied the artistic spirit of the time. As history would have it, the Midway Gardens faced demolition, and the sprites seemingly vanished from the pages of history," the Arizona Biltmore's website says.
They ended up at a Wisconsin farm.
The website went on to say, "The path of the sprites took another turn in their journey at the request of Frank Lloyd Wright’s widow. A mold of the ‘Solemn Sprite’ was created, allowing for the casting of several new sprites. These magnificent creations were then gifted to the Arizona Biltmore in 1985."