‘This sweet soul’
Day care baby mourned – kin seek funeral aid
AN ONLINE fund-raising page has been set up to help the Brooklyn parents who lost their 3-month-old son on his first day in a day care center.
Karl Towndrow died Monday at SoHo Child Care, an unlicensed day care operation in a Greene St. loft.
“Karl was beloved by his parents, who doted on him every moment. He was their joy and brought happiness to everyone who met him,” the GoFundMe page says.
“His family and friends are grieving but are taking comfort in knowing they knew this sweet, innocent soul, even if it was all too brief. In an effort to help his parents, given the unexpected and significant expenses they are now facing, we are launching this campaign in Karl’s memory.”
The page says the money will go toward “any funeral expenses and support for the family.”
By 6 p.m. Wednesday, more than $45,000 had been donated.
The Daily News exclusively reported Wednesday that city inspectors checked a complaint last November about an “illegal day care” at the Greene St. address — but the Health Department closed the case after a brief visit.
The city Department of Investigation has launched a probe into whether inspectors followed proper procedures when they made what appears to be a cursory check of the center in November, sources told The News.
The child care facility, which had been in operation for 14 years, was shut down Tuesday, authorities said.
SoHo Child Care owner Maryellen Strautmais, in interviews with detectives, refused to answer questions about her business, authorities said.
She has remained out of sight since Karl’s death.
An initial autopsy conducted on the boy was inconclusive, but police sources said no foul play is suspected.
Karl’s parents — Lee Towndrow and Amber Scorah, who live in Brooklyn Heights— have pleaded for privacy.
“Karl’s family would like to thank everyone who has offered their condolences and is offering support during this painful time,” the GoFundMe page says. Go to the page at www.gofundme.com/karltowndrow.