Tragic Incident at Georgia Daycare: Infant’s Death Raises Concerns
A heartbreaking event unfolded at a daycare in Georgia when a six-month-old infant became unresponsive after being placed in a bouncy seat. This sorrowful occurrence transpired at the Pittman Park Education Center in Statesboro on February 12.
According to a statement from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, which regulates childcare facilities within the state, preliminary reports indicated that staff members were attending to the child when he suddenly lost consciousness. Local news sources ABC affiliate WJCL and WTOC reported that the infant’s identity remains undisclosed.
Emergency services responded swiftly; Bulloch County EMS arrived at around 12:30 p.m., transporting the unresponsive child first to East Georgia Regional Medical Center. The infant was subsequently moved to Memorial Medical Center Children’s Hospital in Savannah before he tragically passed away on February 17, as noted by Grice Connect.
The agency overseeing daycare operations expressed profound sorrow over this incident, affirming their commitment to child welfare. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” stated officials from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. “This matter is currently under investigation, as our foremost priority is ensuring the safety and health of Georgia’s youngest population.”
Captain Jared Akins from the Statesboro Police Department shared insights into the ongoing investigation during interviews with local media. He emphasized that thorough examinations must be conducted before forming conclusions about what transpired. “It takes time to establish background information regarding the child’s health and behavior,” Akins remarked, adding that they will await evidence collection and autopsy results before jumping to judgments.
Community United in Grief
Reverend Dr. Jonathan Smith, Senior Pastor at Pittman Park United Methodist Church—affiliated with Pittman Park Education Center—made an emotional statement reflecting on this tragedy. He conveyed that they are collaborating closely with relevant authorities while approaching this sensitive issue with compassion.
“Our entire Pittman Park Education Center family shares in mourning alongside this child’s relatives during such an unbearable ordeal,” said Dr. Smith. “We encourage our community members to join us in prayer for comfort and strength for those affected by this unimaginable loss.”
In another part of his message revealed through WJCL 22 and WTOC coverage, he addressed their dedication as a faith-based community committed to providing love and support during these trying times: “We aim to envelop them with love while upholding them through God’s enduring grace.”
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PEOPLE has made several attemptsto contact officials at Pittman Park United Methodist Church but has yet received an official response.
