A one-year-old boy has died in a horrific accident at a home-based daycare in rural Missouri, after his head became lodged in an indoor children's slide.
A Fatal Accident at an Unlicensed Facility
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, 9 January 2026, at a private residence operating as a daycare just outside Potosi, Missouri. According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the toddler managed to slip through a small opening at the bottom of the slide's railing.
Sheriff Scott Reed described the opening as approximately five inches tall, wide enough for the child's body to pass through but tragically too narrow for his head. This caused the boy to become stuck, restricting his airway and leading to a fatal loss of oxygen.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) were the first to respond to a desperate call reporting a child who was not breathing. They immediately began administering CPR and other life-saving measures upon arrival.
Despite their efforts, the young child could not be revived. Sheriff Reed stated the scene was "horrible," and that the boy's family is utterly devastated. The daycare was not licensed, which was permissible under local regulations as the provider was looking after only four or five children, including her own. The identity of the provider has not been made public.
Community Mourning and Ongoing Probe
Sheriff Reed emphasised the impact on the small, tight-knit community, noting the affected family are well-known and well-liked. "When something happens, it affects everybody," he said.
The coroner has given a preliminary ruling of accidental death. However, a multi-agency investigation involving the WCSO, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Missouri Division of Family Services remains active. When questioned on whether the tragedy was preventable, Sheriff Reed declined to speculate, citing potential future legal actions.
The sheriff's office has extended its deepest condolences to the child's family and all those affected, stating no further details will be released to respect the family and the integrity of the investigation.
