A Florida family is in mourning after their three-year-old daughter tragically died. The incident occurred last month when her head became stuck in a play kitchen set at her babysitter's home.
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The Girl Had "A Smile That Could Light up Any Room"
As reported by the New York Post, the incident took place in the community of the Meadows of Boynton Beach in Palm Beach County on Thursday, July 23.
The babysitter stepped out for a few moments while Briella Holmes and her sibling were playing. The sitter's spouse was looking after the children, checking on them occasionally but remaining upstairs.
It was during one of these checks that the spouse found Holmes lodged in a kitchen play set. After freeing her, the spouse "began performing life-saving measures until first responders arrived," according to a press release from the Boynton Beach Police Department.
Holmes was trying to get some toys that had fallen in the playset. She became stuck trying to get them, her sibling told investigators. Police rushed to the scene after receiving a report that a child was unresponsive and not breathing.
Have Charges Been Filed?
Holmes was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. She was pronounced dead there four days later, according to police.
The three-year-old's death was ruled an accident by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner. The cause of death was "probable positional asphyxia," according to the coroner.
Holmes was described as "a bright light in the lives of so many" in a GoFundMe page.
"She had a kind heart, a beautiful spirit, and a smile that could light up any room," it continued. "She touched countless lives with her love, laughter, and compassion, and the impact she made will never be forgotten."
A spokesperson for the police department confirmed that an investigation into Holmes' death is active and ongoing. No charges have been filed as of yesterday, Aug. 5.
A fundraiser has been set up to help Holmes' parents with funeral expenses and other unexpected costs.
