A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at a Bronx day care center where River Edima Wilson, a just one-year-old girl, tragically drowned in an above-ground pool while under the care of a distracted employee. This incident occurred at Anna’s Butterfly Garden Family Group on Story Ave., raising serious concerns about the safety and oversight provided by the facility. According to law enforcement and sources, the child’s caregiver, a 47-year-old woman, left her unattended for approximately 20 minutes as she prepared food for the other children. The circumstances surrounding River’s death have left her family devastated and searching for answers, prompting them to question the day care’s practices and responsibilities.
River’s parents, Ima and Ifiok Wilson, are understandably heartbroken and outraged at the day care’s lack of vigilance. They are voicing their concerns publicly, emphasizing that they entrusted the facility to ensure their daughter’s safety. Ima’s tearful plea, “What happened to my sweet baby?” encapsulates the profound sorrow the family is enduring. Ifiok echoed those sentiments, expressing their shock and disillusionment at discovering their child was left alone in such a perilous situation. Their emotional turmoil is compounded by a sense of betrayal, as they believed the day care would prioritize their child’s well-being.
The family asserts that they have faced neglect from the day care center in the wake of the tragedy. They report that their attempts to reach out for clarification and updates have been met with silence. According to a statement they provided to NBC4, the Wilsons feel that the day care has not only failed to provide adequate care for River but has also compounded their grief by refusing to communicate. They claim this lack of information is unacceptable, insisting that they deserve a clear understanding of what happened to their daughter and how such a preventable tragedy could occur.
Eyewitness accounts shed light on the chaotic moments following the incident. A former police officer, who happened to be visiting a neighbor, described hearing cries of distress and rushed to aid. Upon reaching the scene, he found River unresponsive on a platform near the pool, prompting him to immediately initiate CPR. His desperate attempts to revive her, however, were met with tragic outcomes, as he was unable to detect a pulse. The former officer’s account underscores the urgency and confusion of the situation, highlighting the desperate efforts made to save the child’s life.
After the emergency response team arrived, River was transported to Montefiore Einstein Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The medical examiner’s office is currently investigating the official cause of death, which remains pending. As the investigation unfolds, the family is left with numerous questions, hoping the inquiry will lead to accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The profound loss they are experiencing reflects a broader issue regarding child care safety and the urgent need for standards that ensure children’s protection.
As the police continue their investigation, there have yet to be any arrests made in connection with River’s drowning. This devastating situation has ignited community conversations surrounding child safety in day care settings. The Wilson family’s quest for answers not only seeks justice for their daughter but is also a clarion call for reform in child care practices to ensure that other families do not undergo similar heartbreak. The hope is that River’s tragic story will raise awareness and lead to critical changes in policies and caregiver responsibilities, promoting a safer environment for children everywhere.
