A 12-year-old U.S. citizen, identified by the surname Gollijar, died Wednesday after being hospitalized in serious condition in the intensive care unit at the National Children’s Hospital in San José Province.

The boy had been hospitalized Tuesday after surviving a fall from a window of the apartment where he lived with his family on the 12th floor of the Torres Altamira residential complex in Heredia Province.

The administration of the residential complex confirmed his death Wednesday night in a social media message expressing condolences to the family.

“The Altamira community mourns the passing of young boy Gollijar,” the complex said in an Instagram post. “We express our deepest condolences to his parents, wishing them comfort and strength.”

According to recent statements to the press by National Children’s Hospital director Dr. Carlos Jiménez, the boy had been treated by specialists in the intensive care unit since Tuesday. He was receiving mechanical ventilation and medication to keep him stable.

The incident began at about 1:30 p.m. when the Red Cross responded to an emergency call reporting that a boy had fallen from a window of his family’s apartment.

Rescuers arrived at Tower B of the residential complex with an advanced life-support ambulance and an operational vehicle.

The rescuers found the boy with vital signs but suffering from multiple injuries and in serious condition. He was urgently transported to San Vicente de Paúl Hospital in Heredia Province, the nearest hospital.

The transfer was carried out with assistance from San Pablo municipal police, who organized traffic control and escorted the ambulance to help ensure it reached the hospital without complications. The municipality later posted a video of the police escort operation on its social media accounts.

Because of the severity of his injuries, the boy was later transferred to the National Children’s Hospital, where he was treated by doctors specializing in pediatric care.

Officials from the National Children’s Welfare Agency, known as PANI, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and providing support to the boy’s parents. PANI is the government institution responsible for protecting the rights of children and adolescents in Costa Rica.

“PANI prioritizes the physical and emotional safety of every minor, regardless of nationality or immigration status,” the institution said.

The Gollijar family had reportedly been living in Costa Rica for more than a year.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provides assistance and guidance to families of American citizens who die abroad, whether the relatives were traveling with the deceased or residing in the country.

“The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States,” the embassy states on its website. “The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which serves as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes.”

The embassy also notes that it does not cover funeral, repatriation or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas.

However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements. Embassy officials can coordinate with local authorities and service providers on the family’s behalf.

For more information, individuals may contact the U.S. Embassy at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

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