Parents of boy who fell to death in Spain: ‘He leaned on window to watch kids play’

A 7-year-old Israeli boy who fell to his death from a hotel window in Barcelona earlier this week was named Thursday as Dror Smadja from Beersheba.

Smadja, who had just arrived in Barcelona with his family on vacation, heard children playing soccer on Monday and wanted to watch them, his parents Yifat and Hagi Smajda said.

“We planned our trip to Spain for many months,” they told Hebrew media on Thursday. “While we were getting ready for breakfast, Dror heard kids playing soccer outside and wanted to watch them.”

“In one cursed second, he fell to his death while leaning against the window,” they said.

First responders called to the scene tried to resuscitate the boy but ultimately declared his death.

Smadja’s parents described their son as a “charming, smart and sociable child” who loved animals and hiking. He was also a dedicated fan of the Hapoel Beersheba soccer team.

“It is very difficult for us and we gather ourselves every moment anew for our two dear daughters. We want to thank all the family and friends and friends who surround us and help us not to feel alone,” the parents said.

Smadja is survived by his parents and by two sisters, ages 9 and 3.

The family thanked Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich and his office for coordinating with Spanish authorities to bring their son’s body home, as well as the local Chabad and Israeli communities for their support in the wake of the tragedy.