How wildfire smoke killed 9 year old boy Carter Vigh?

A heartbreaking incident occurred when nine-year-old Carter Vigh lost his life due to a severe asthma attack, further aggravated by smoke from the wildfires that raged through various parts of British Columbia. Described by his parents, James and Amber Vigh, as a vibrant and energetic child, Carter's untimely death has left his family and the community in mourning.

Amber Vigh reported that her youngest son, Carter, died in the emergency room with his parents at his side at 7:20 p.m. PT last Tuesday.

Amber said, "They tried everything...," in an interview from her home near 100 Mile House, B.C., on Monday, "I just stood there and just told him that I loved him and just asked him to breathe."

Carter had lived with asthma his entire life, as she said. He carried a puffer everywhere and had been to the hospital several times before to get his oxygen levels up after an attack.

Carter's Asthma tragedy unveils questions

Carter, who lived with asthma, was attending a summer camp on July 11 when smoke levels from the wildfires rose in the area. As a precautionary measure, the children were moved inside for activities.

However, upon returning home, Carter's condition deteriorated dramatically, going from playing games on his iPad to a severe coughing fit. Despite the prompt response from his parents, the boy was unable to recover and he was rushed to the hospital where medical professionals worked tirelessly to save him. Tragically, Carter never regained consciousness.

Government officials and health authorities advise people with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, to use caution in areas heavily affected by wildfire smoke, acknowledging that it can intensify medical conditions and present health risks.

The BC Coroner's Service has launched an investigation into Carter's death and the role that wildfire smoke played in his asthma attack.

Speaking from their home near 100 Mile House, Carter's devastated parents expressed their shock at the sudden passing of their son. They told how Carter had been happy-go-lucky all day before his asthma attack. Although he had dealt with asthma his entire life, this particular incident seemed unusual from the start.

Carter's parents stressed the importance of raising awareness of the potential dangers of wildfire smoke to vulnerable people with asthma. They hope that the tragic story of their son will serve as a warning to other parents and families living in the regions affected by the wildfires.

The South Cariboo Recreation Center has planned a memorial service for Saturday, July 22, where friends, family, and members of the community will gather to pay their respects and honor the memory of the vivacious young man who brought joy to all who knew him.

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