A 4-month-old boy died on his first day at an unlicensed day care facility, according to New York City authorities.
Police said Karl Towndrow was pronounced dead at a hospital Monday afternoon. Authorities said the day care, located in SoHo, was not licensed. Authorities said there were 14 other children there, which exceeds city regulations that limit the number of children in group day care centers to 12.
Day care workers put the baby down for a nap and found him unresponsive when they went to wake him up for a visit from his mother, police said. Both workers and emergency medical technicians tried to resuscitate the baby, authorities said. The medical examiner will determine a cause of death.
Witness John Hadzi said he saw emergency responders performing CPR for awhile.
"It was around noon, I see the baby coming down on a stretcher. They were like pushing it, it was sad," said Hadzi.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services, which licenses home-based day care facilities, said they were investigating the death along with the New York City Health Department.
"We are saddened and concerned about this infant death, and are working closely with law enforcement and ACS on an investigation," said a statement from the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
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The city health department confirmed that Soho Child Care was operating an illegal child care service. Home based programs are licensed by the state and regulated under contract by DOHMH.
The health department said it makes annual unannounced visits to inspect licensed child care facilities and investigates any complaints.
The day care owner didn't respond to reporters as she was led out of the facility by police. She is not under arrest.
In a statement, Karl's parents, who live in Brooklyn Heights, wrote, "Karl's parents appreciate the kind words and condolences they have received. He was full of love and was treasured by all that met him. At this time, his parents ask for privacy as they grieve his short, wonderful life."
