Father Goes Looking For 6-Year-Old Son In Closet, Sees His Worst Nightmare Become A Reality

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating after a 6-year-old boy was found dead hanging in a closet.

Tristan Hurtt’s body was found hanging in a closet on July 5 by a family member, WPXI reported. He was playing with a 4-year-old boy in his Fayette County home at the time.

The boy’s father, Anthony Hurtt, was in the living room while the children were playing. “I just want my boy back,” Anthony told WPXI.

Tristan and his younger brother were known to play the “knockout game,” WTAE reported. The game involves participants choking themselves until they lose consciousness.

Tristan’s younger brother told investigators that Tristan climbed up onto a case on the closet floor and put a bathrobe sash around his neck. He said Tristan’s feet then slipped off the case.

Tristan reportedly would have turned 7 on July 15, WPXI noted.

Police are interviewing family and friends. No charges have been filed at this time.
One adult living in the home is currently awaiting trial on drug charges, according to court records.

“Obviously, it’s very emotional for all of the parts involved, including the investigators,” said Richard Bower, Fayette County District Attorney. “This is not something any of us take very lightly.”

Police do not suspect any foul play in Tristan’s death. An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.

“I just want everybody to know that, don’t blame me,” Tristan’s mother told WTAE. “Don’t blame his dad. Don’t put the blame on us. What could we do? He was gone. They tried. They tried to save him, but it was too late.

“I don’t understand why this happened. I don’t. But I know that God has a reason, he has a purpose. I know my little boy is up there singing and dancing on the clouds.”