A 13-year-old boy drowned under Las Vegas floodwaters after he tried to ride the current in a tyre inner tube and got stuck beneath a stranded SUV.

Ryan Taylor was rushed to hospital after a frantic rescue bid in the casino city but was declared dead on 3rd September.

Medics had tried to resuscitate Taylor after he was pulled from the water with no heartbeat.

Clark County coroner’s office later ruled his death an accidental drowning.

Ryan is understood to have been playing in the water which flooded the Nevada desert city last weekend.

But when the raging current suddenly increased, he was swept away under an SUV where he drowned in rising floodwater, according to local media.

Eyewitnesses say up to 20 people jumped into the water to try to lift the vehicle and free Ryan.

The tragedy happened at a highway intersection around eight miles away from the Las Vegas strip.

Ryan’s mother, Irene Reynaga, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his funeral.

She said: “Hello my name is Irene and I’m here making a go fund me for my son Ryan James Taylor. Who was taken from us so fast.

“Ryan was such an amazing kid. He was so helpful with his siblings and had such a big heart.

“On September 2 my boy went outside in the rain here in Vegas and was taken by the water and was stuck under a car.

“When paramedic arrived he had no heartbeat. We arrived to the hospital where they attempted everything possible to save our son.

“Despite all prayers and efforts he sadly passed at 2.30am. I love you with all my heart Ryan.”

She added: “We would gladly appreciate any donation that could be made thank you and god bless.”