Twelve-year-old Melquan Kwame Robinson died after he was electrocuted by a chain-link fence at Augusta’s Fleming Athletic Complex during football practice Monday. Two boys who tried to pull him free were also shocked and hospitalized. A third person, an adult, was injured, according to the city and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said Melquan climbed the fence to retrieve a football and was shocked as he came back over it. A live electrical wire had energized the fence. Deputies performed chest compressions before an ambulance took him to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, where he was pronounced dead.

One of the boys who tried to help, David Sette, had improved and been moved from intensive care to a regular hospital room by Tuesday, his mother said. Doctors remained concerned about blood levels associated with muscle breakdown. An updated condition for the other boy was unavailable.

Melquan was a seventh-grader at Morgan Road Middle School and played for the Trinity Elite Titans. His former coach and family friend Don Clark described him as an energetic, athletic child who loved sports, dreamed of becoming a professional athlete and was protective of his two younger siblings. Clark said Melquan’s parents were grieving the loss of their firstborn and praised the courage of the friends who tried to save him.

The coroner’s office, sheriff’s office and city planned separate investigations, with the city examining how the fence became energized. Georgia Power said its preliminary investigation indicated it did not control or maintain the voltage involved and that it would cooperate with officials. The school system provided additional support for students and staff, and football activities at the park were canceled for the rest of the week.

Mayor Hardie Davis offered condolences and urged the community to support the family. A vigil open to the community was planned for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Bernie Ward Community Center.