The child was found unresponsive just before 3 p.m. on Monday, police say.
CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A 16-month-old died after going into cardiac arrest at a day care in Caldwell County on Monday, police said.
Multiple agencies responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir a little before 3 p.m. on May 19. When first responders arrived, they found a 16-month-old who was unresponsive. First responders immediately started life-saving measures. The child was taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Lenoir Police immediately launched an investigation into the child’s death and the circumstances leading up to the incident. The investigation remains in the early stages, with detectives working with North Carolina’s chief medical examiner to determine the child’s cause of death.
Creative Beginnings acknowledged the incident on Facebook with a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our sweet little angels at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir,” the statement reads. “Our hearts are broken, and we’re struggling to find the right words in the face of such sorrow.
“Please keep our teachers, staff and everyone who loved this precious child in your prayers, but especially the family, as they give the unimaginable loss of their child.”
The day care has been fully cooperative with the investigation. State inspection records show that in August 2024, not all staff members were properly documented as certified in first aid and CPR.
No further details have been released due to the sensitive nature of the case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Lenoir Police Department at 828-757-2100. Witnesses may also call Caldwell County Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300.
WCNC Charlotte has reached out to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for details about administrative action taken against the facility in the past three years.
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