Tragic discovery: Missing 4-year-old found dead in toy chest
Four-year-old Kache Wallis from Hurricane, Utah, was reported missing after his grandma put him to sleep in his bed but he wasn’t there the following morning. She looked for him everywhere and when she failed to find him, she alerted the authorities.
Police searched the house and determined the boy wasn’t home after which a frantic search for Kache started. A number of local volunteers took part in it and a missing alert was issued while everyone prayed for the little one to be found safe and sound.
BREAKING: 4-year-old Kache Wallis, reported missing from Hurricane this morning, was found dead, police say. https://t.co/hTY86con8Z
— KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) July 25, 2021
Unfortunately, after a second search of the home, the boy was found dead inside a toy chest in his room.
According to new reports, the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office have investigated the 4-year-old’s passing and determined his official cause of death was “positional asphyxiation.” They believe that Kache climbed into the chest and died of deprivation of oxygen. After family members were questioned, the boy’s death was ruled accidental.
However, although the incident was ruled accidental, authorities used it to underline an important safety message. They warned that everyday household items can pose unexpected dangers to young children, especially storage or play items like toy chests and trunks.
Curious children may see these as places to hide, without realizing the risks. Officials stressed that raising awareness isn’t about blame, but about helping prevent similar tragedies in the future.
So sad.
— Jim Spiewak (@JimSpiewak) July 28, 2021
Detectives say they found 4 y/o Kache Wallis inside his toy chest in his room.
He was originally reported missing.
Police say this is an accidental death. https://t.co/2fkMipGIH4 pic.twitter.com/S5dYirMEbx
The City of Hurricane Police Department released a statement about the case and shared their sadness over the tragic incident. “Our sincerest condolences are sent to Kache and his family,” the statement read.
Rest in peace, Kache.