PICTURED: 22-month-old toddler who died at her grandparents’ home in South Carolina while trying to climb onto a dresser when the furniture toppled over and trapped her
PICTURED: 22-month-old toddler who died at her grandparents’ home in South Carolina while trying to climb onto a dresser when the furniture toppled over and trapped her
- Ja’Laya Bryant, 22 months old, suffered serious injuries after a dresser she was climbing on fell over and landed on top of her, leaving her unable to breathe
- The little girl went into cardiac arrest as a result of the huge piece of furniture that trapped her and caused death by suffocation
- Toddler was with her grandparents in South Carolina; emergency services were called, but despite their best efforts, the boy could not be saved
A 22-month-old toddler died while at her grandparents’ home in South Carolina after a dresser she tried to climb on topped over and fell on top of her.
Emergency services were immediately called to rescue Ja’Laya Bryant from Calhoun Falls after she went into cardiac arrest when she became trapped under the massive piece of furniture.
The little boy suffered serious injuries after she was essentially crushed by the dresser.
Anderson County EMS, Medshore EMS, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene.
The little girl was discovered at home by relatives lying under the overturned chest of drawers.
Ja’Laya Bryant, 22 months old, suffered serious injuries after a dresser she was climbing toppled over and landed on top of her, leaving her unable to breathe
Ja’Laya Bryant is pictured alongside her mother Jordan Donaldson
EMS personnel rushed the child to Prisma Health Trauma Services in Columbia, South Carolina, but despite their best efforts, the girl was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Anderson County Child Death Investigation Task Force has opened an investigation into the child’s death.
Chief Deputy Coroner Don McCown said told WSPA that preliminary findings suggest that Ja’Laya died of asphyxia, with no evidence of foul play.
Her great-aunt wrote on Facebook on Monday imploring other families to check that heavy furniture was bolted to the floor, to avoid similar mishaps.
The little girl went into cardiac arrest as a result of the huge piece of furniture that trapped her and caused death by suffocation
The toddler was with her grandparents in South Carolina when the accident happened
“My family needs prayer like no other. Yesterday my great-great-niece climbed on a chest of drawers that toppled over and fell on top of her. They were unable to save her.
“Please double check that your furniture is bolted to the wall, the doors are closed to keep our little ones safe!” her aunt Debra Putnam-Thompson wrote online.
My beautiful great-grandniece, Ja’Laya, 20 months old, loved by all with her attitude and precious personality! Life will never be the same again, but by God’s grace we will persevere!’
“Thanks for all the calls and texts, we have to take it one day at a time! I know everyone wants to see me, but I need space… My world is upside down,” wrote Jordan Donaldson, Ja’Laya’s mother.
Other friends and relatives posted tributes and condolences to the family.
Sending prayers to a classmate and her family during this time. Such a sweet little girl has gone from this world way too soon. Heaven just got a little sweeter. I pray so hard for you,” wrote one benefactor.
“Such a beautiful girl, rest in paradise, baby girl. You send a prayer for My Cf Ppl. It’s never easy to lose a child,” added another.