Tragedy struck in Maine last weekend when a 3-year-old boy was discovered lifeless in the snow. The heartbreaking incident occurred shortly after he had been reported missing.
According to a police spokesperson, the Maine State Police is currently investigating the tragic death of a toddler. The child was discovered deceased on Exeter Road in the town of Corinna on Sunday, January 12th.
According to police, a family member, who identified the child as her nephew, called 911 around 8:30 a.m. local time to report the boy missing. Shortly after, the father discovered him outside in the snow, a distance away from their home.
EMS responded to the scene, but unfortunately, the child, whose identity has not been disclosed, succumbed to his injuries. The nature of the injuries indicated that they were consistent with exposure to the elements, according to the Maine State Police.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North continues to investigate the boy’s death. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta will determine the cause and manner of death after conducting an autopsy.
The investigation was carried out with the assistance of the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services, according to the state police.
Authorities believe that the death of the toddler was an isolated incident. A spokesperson from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services expressed their condolences to the family and those affected, acknowledging that the loss of a child is devastating and tragic.
According to CBS affiliate WABI, the child’s mother shared on social media that she woke up on January 12th to discover that her child was missing.
The woman explained that another family member had previously kicked open the door of the home, and it had been secured with a bolt ever since.
According to WABI, it was reported that she also mentioned in her writing that the child’s father has been hospitalized due to the devastating loss in their home, which has left him contemplating taking his own life.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family in covering various expenses related to the child’s memorial, cremation, and any medical bills that may not be covered. The campaign aims to provide financial assistance during this difficult time.
The fundraising page portrayed the child as a resilient, loving, caring, funny, and happy little boy. The page also highlighted the sudden and unexpected nature of the loss for the family, who are also blessed with two sisters.