Atlanta

Child dies after getting stuck in rotator at Sun Dial restaurant

By Steve Gehlbach, WSB-TV and Nefertiti Jaquez
By Steve Gehlbach, WSB-TV and Nefertiti Jaquez

ATLANTA — A child has died after sustaining a head injury at the Sun Dial Restaurant.

The restaurant is on the 72nd floor of Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel in Atlanta and the floor rotates clockwise to offer views of the city.

Police said Charlie Holt, 5, wandered away from his family's table and got lodged between the wall and a table as the floor rotated.

"His whole body was caught between maybe four to five inches of space. His head took the brunt of the injury," Atlanta police Sgt. Warren Pickard said.

TRENDING STORIES:

The floor automatically shut off.

The Westin's security staff and employees were able to dislodge Charlie.

He was transported to Grady Hospital with major head trauma. He later died.

"Anytime you hear of anyone getting hurt, but you're talking about a small child, it's just really sad to hear something like that," said Teresa McCullough, who was saying at the Westin.

Charlie's family released a statement saying:

"The family asks for prayers and privacy right now to come to terms with this tragedy. No words can express their loss. If you have a loved one, please give them an extra hug today."

Police said Charlie and his parents were visiting town from Charlotte.

They were staying at another hotel and decided to have lunch at the Sun Dial.

"We know they were the last customers for the lunch crowd and it's just very tragic," Pickard said.

The restaurant will be closed until further notice.

The hotel manager, George Reed, released the following statement:

"There was a tragic accident at the hotel involving a young boy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

"As soon as we learned of the accident, we immediately responded until emergency personnel arrived. We are working with the authorities as they look into this tragic accident and we will continue to assist them in any way we can.  Words cannot express the depths of our sorrow. Our thoughts remain with the family."

Cox Media Group

Most Read