Infant passes away after being found unresponsive at Statesboro daycare

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - An infant has passed away after being found unresponsive at a daycare in Statesboro last week.

Statesboro Police say a 6-month-old became unresponsive on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Pittman Park Church’s Education Center.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning oversees daycares in Georgia. They released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident reported by the Pittman Park Education Center in Statesboro that occurred on February 12, 2025, involving an infant in their care.

According to initial reports, the child was placed in a bouncy seat and later became unresponsive while being attended to by staff. Emergency services were immediately contacted, and the child was transported to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, the child sadly passed away on February 17, 2025.

This is an open investigation. At DECAL, our top priority is the health and safety of Georgia’s youngest learners."

Multiple officers arrived at the daycare in the afternoon and EMS transported the infant to Georgia Regional Medical Center.

She was then transferred to Memorial hospital in Savannah where she died Monday.

Reverend Dr. Jonathan Smith, Senior Pastor at Pittman Park United Methodist Church also released a statement.

Reverend Dr. Smith wrote, “Our hearts are heavy as we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our precious PPEC children. Our entire Pittman Park Education Center (PPEC) family is grieving alongside this child’s loved ones during this devastating time.

We ask our community to join us in lifting this family up in prayer, offering them comfort, strength, and peace in the midst of unimaginable loss. As a faith-filled community, we are committed to surrounding them with love, support, and the unwavering grace of God.

Please be assured that we are working closely with all necessary agencies to navigate this situation with care, compassion, and sensitivity. Our priority remains the well-being of our children, families, and staff as we move through this difficult time together.

We are deeply grateful for the strength and unity of our community in moments like these. May we continue to hold one another close and find peace in the love of Christ."

Captain Jared Akins at Statesboro Police says the family is in the department’s prayers.

“You can’t imagine going through that process. So, you know our hearts go out to them and I’m certainly praying for them myself. Anything that we can let them know, we will along the way. It’s just that the sad fact of the matter is that it is a lengthy investigation to conduct,” said Capt. Aikens.

Captain Akins says he anticipates the autopsy results and investigation into the cause of death to take several months, as most infant deaths typically do.

“It is a very lengthy process, and I know that’s not what any family member wants to hear, that’s not what friends want to hear. Those are just things that we have to go through to make sure we are thorough.”