A tragic incident unfolded in Omaha as a one-year-old girl lost her life after being left in a hot van at a daycare center. The daycare worker responsible has since been charged in connection with the child’s death, according to reports.
Ra’Miyah Worthington tragically passed away on Monday at Kidz of the Future Child Development Center II in Omaha, Nebraska. The van involved in the incident, which is registered to the daycare owner, had been used that morning to transport Worthington and her two siblings. While the siblings were taken out of the vehicle upon arrival at the daycare center, the young girl was left behind.
Heartbreakingly, it is believed that Worthington was left inside the van for approximately five hours before she was discovered. Authorities from the Omaha Police Department’s Child Special Victims Unit arrived at the scene in response to a report of an unresponsive child at 5001 Leavenworth Street.
Emergency services rushed Worthington to the Nebraska Medical Center, but tragically, she was pronounced dead. The van’s driver, 62-year-old Ryan Williams, was subsequently arrested on charges of child abuse by neglect resulting in death. Omaha police have confirmed that an ongoing investigation is underway.
In the wake of the devastating incident, Worthington’s parents expressed their disbelief and grief. Sina Johnson, the child’s mother, demanded answers at a rally, asking how her baby could have been forgotten in the van while her siblings were safely removed. Rianna Worthington, the child’s father, also expressed his shock, questioning how their daughter could have been overlooked by the daycare staff.
Adding to the distressing circumstances, the father revealed that the daycare’s app indicated that their daughter had never been checked into the facility on the day of the tragedy.
Kidz of the Future Child Development Center II has not yet commented on the incident, but a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Worthington’s family during this unimaginably difficult time.
The family’s pain is immeasurable, and their lives have been forever altered by this tragedy. The fundraiser highlights the lasting impact on the family, emphasizing the need for support as they navigate this devastating loss.
As investigations continue, it is hoped that measures will be implemented to prevent such an unfortunate incident from recurring in the future. The safety and well-being of young children must always be the utmost priority, and it is essential for childcare facilities to have stringent protocols in place to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
