A three-year-old girl has died after becoming trapped inside a wooden toy oven while reaching for toys at her babysitter's home in Florida. Briella Holmes was discovered unconscious and not breathing before being rushed to hospital in a critical condition, according to Boynton Beach Police. The young girl passed away in hospital four days later.
Incident details
It is now believed she died as a result of positional asphyxia, a condition that occurs when a person's body position prevents them from breathing properly. Briella had been at the childminder's house alongside her sibling when the tragic incident took place, as reported by Need To Know.
Police revealed that the childminder had left the property, leaving the children in the care of their spouse, who remained upstairs while the youngsters played downstairs. The spouse checked on the children at regular intervals and provided them with snacks. During one of these checks, they discovered Briella trapped inside the wooden playset.
Rescue and medical response
Boynton Beach Police Department stated that the spouse freed her and "immediately began attempting life-saving measures until first responders arrived." Officers continued their efforts to save her before Boynton Beach Fire Rescue transported her to hospital.
Briella's sibling told investigators that toys had fallen inside the play kitchen, causing her to become stuck while trying to retrieve them. The devastating incident took place at a property within the Meadows of Boynton Beach community in Florida, US.
Medical examiner's findings
A Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's report, obtained by PEOPLE, revealed that Briella had been "discovered wedged in a wooden play oven". The report stated that the babysitter had stepped out to visit a nearby shop at the time. It concluded that Briella died from probable positional asphyxia, ruling her death an accident.
Emergency services were called shortly after 11am on 23 July, and Briella passed away on 27 July. Officers subsequently released a photograph of the wooden kitchen set involved in the tragedy. The playset carried no markings identifying its brand, manufacturer or model.
Investigation and family tribute
Investigators determined that it had been bought second-hand through Facebook Marketplace. Comparable sets with a similar appearance have been listed online under the name "Country Living Kitchen". Authorities have yet to establish exactly where within the playset Briella became trapped, or which component prevented her from escaping.
When approached by PEOPLE on Thursday (20 August), police confirmed there were no further developments but stated the investigation remained ongoing. The department had previously stated: "This investigation remains active and ongoing." The Boynton Beach Police Department will not be making any additional statements at this time.
A GoFundMe page established following Briella's death described her as a "bright light in the lives of so many". Her family said: "She had a kind heart, a beautiful spirit, and a smile that could light up any room. She touched countless lives with her love, laughter, and compassion, and the impact she made will never be forgotten. She will forever be loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts."
