Toddler killed after statue falls on him at Fisherman's Wharf

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A parents' worse nightmare -- a family from Utah was visiting San Francisco on Friday when their 2-year-old son died in a freak accident. Kayson Shelton was crushed when a large bronze statue toppled as he was playing on it.

The accident happened out on the sidewalk outside the Majestic Collection art gallery at fisherman's Wharf, in the middle of San Francisco's busiest tourist area.

"A young child, 2-year-old boy had a dolphin statue fell on him he suffered some injuries; he was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he later died from his injuries," San Francisco Police spokesperson Gordon Shyy said.

The 6-foot statue with three dolphins is now in the evidence room at police headquarters. Police say Kayson was playing on the statue, which was just outside the store, when it fell on him.

At first, the paramedics thought his injuries were minor, but after taking him to San Francisco General Hospital, they realized he had suffered internal injuries. He died four hours later.

A spokesperson for the Shelton family in Utah says friends and family are remembering the things Kayson loved most, like blankets.

"I do believe there's even an effort to show that love he had; I know there's various donations that are occurring with blankets to various charities and whatnot, but that was just a fun memory, he just loved blankets," family spokesperson Sam Delahunty said.

The family now has a page on youcaring.com asking for money to cover funeral expenses.

Immediately following the accident, Majestic Collection was cited for having its statues on display beyond the blue line on the sidewalk marking the section owned by the port authority.

"It designates what port authority property is, where it begins, so this guy who owns this building, all these buildings, he owns up to the blue line," vendor Christopher Evans said.

"This specific business was warned last year during the America's Cup that their dolphins were beyond the blue line and officers had addressed it due the large crowds that were coming here," Shyy said.

Sunday, police were out enforcing the code.

Monday afternoon, Majestic Collection issued a statement, saying, "This is an unfortunate and tragic incident. Majestic Collection is and has been co-operating with all investigative agencies. Our hearts and prayers are with the family."

Kayson's parents and 6-year-old sister have returned to Utah.