Sturbridge baby dies at unlicensed child care home
Tragedy is second in a week
STURBRIDGE — Authorities are investigating after an 18-month-old baby was found dead last week at an unlicensed child care home in Sturbridge, a tragic incident that officials say occurred the same day that a 10-week-old boy died at an unlicensed facility in Mendon.
The 1-year-old child was found unresponsive last Thursday at Heather’s Daycare on Simpson Street, officials said.
As state officials investigate how the toddler died, the people operating the day care were issued an immediate cease-and-desist order.
The Herald made multiple attempts to reach the listed owners of the home.
“The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is investigating the circumstances of an 18-month-old child who was found unresponsive on April 6 in an unlicensed family child care home in Sturbridge,” EEC said in a statement. “The Department immediately issued a Cease and Desist Order as it was determined that unlicensed child care was occurring ... The Department continues to work with other state agencies and local law enforcement pending the outcome of its investigation.”
The Worcester District Attorney’s office and state Department of Children and Families are investigating the child’s death.
Brian Sommer, 35, who identified himself as a family friend of both the homeowners and the victim’s family, said the child care home was a place where friends and family members would leave their kids. He said he sent his two boys to the day care and would do it “over and over again.”
“She is a loving woman. She is a loving wife — an unbelievable person and friend,” Sommer said. “I think the real tragedy here is a young boy is no longer with us ... A family is grieving here tonight. I think it’s been a tough week for everyone.”
Outside of the house, a child’s bike could be seen laying on the ground next to a plastic playground set. Neighbors said kids could be seen playing in the yard every day.
“You’d see kids being dropped off in the morning,” said Kathy Nicols, 55, who called news of the child’s death “really sad.”
Linda Legere, 59, called the investigation “a very sad situation.”
“I didn’t know but I had a feeling because there’s always a lot of children playing in the yard,” she said.
The child’s death occurred the same day that police say a 10-week-old boy was found unresponsive by his mother when she arrived to pick him up at Bethany Community Church in Mendon. The church, state officials said, was not licensed to care for infants. That baby’s death is being investigated by state police detectives assigned to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.’s Office and the Department of Children and Families. There were no signs of foul play, Early said.