Boy, 12, Collapsed While Trick-or-Treating. Hours Before His Death, He Was Surrounded by Friends

A 12-year-old boy from Phoenix tragically died after suffering a brain aneurysm while out trick-or-treating with friends on Halloween night.

On Oct. 31, Dylan Skalina had just finished collecting candy with his friends when he suddenly collapsed, his family told NBC affiliate KPNX. He was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors discovered a severe brain bleed but were unable to save him. Dylan passed away the following day.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by loved ones, Dylan was placed in a medically induced coma because doctors could not restore blood flow to his brain. In the final hours before his passing, friends and classmates gathered at his bedside, KPNX reported.

“He was so loved,” his mother, Megan, said. “I knew we were loved, but I didn’t realize how strong of a bond he had with all of his friends.”

Dylan lived with Type 1 diabetes and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, leading to overly flexible joints and fragile, stretchy skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. His two sisters, Alexis and Kaylie, also have EDS. The family believes the disorder may have contributed to Dylan’s aneurysm, KPNX reported.

Alexis explained that her legs often hurt and can temporarily become immovable because of the condition. Despite their grief, the family is finding comfort in knowing Dylan’s organ and tissue donations could help more than 300 people.

Megan said she hopes Dylan’s pancreas will aid diabetes researchers in finding a cure. “It’s so important to him,” she said. “I know he’s watching and realizes how many people he’s going to help.”