Briella Holmes, 3, died from probable positional asphyxia after becoming trapped in a wooden toy kitchen at a babysitter’s home.
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A 3-year-old girl who died days after becoming trapped in a wooden play kitchen at a babysitter’s home died from probable positional asphyxia, according to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office. Briella Holmes’ death was classified as an accident.
The finding provides new information about the July 23 incident in Boynton Beach, where police said Briella was found unresponsive and not breathing after becoming stuck in the playset. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died four days later. The Boynton Beach Police Department said Thursday that its investigation remains ongoing.
Boynton Beach police said officers were dispatched shortly after 11 a.m. July 23 to the Meadows of Boynton Beach community. Officers immediately began life-saving measures before Boynton Beach Fire Rescue arrived and took the child to a hospital. Police initially described the case as an active investigation and said no charges had been filed.
According to the police department’s preliminary account, Briella and a sibling had been at a babysitter’s home when the babysitter left the residence. The children were then left in the care of the babysitter’s spouse. Police said the spouse remained upstairs while the children played downstairs, periodically checking on them and bringing them snacks.
During one of those checks, police said, the spouse found Briella with her head stuck in the kitchen playset. The spouse removed her and began life-saving measures until first responders arrived. Investigators said Briella’s sibling told them toys had fallen into the play kitchen and that Briella became trapped while trying to retrieve them.
The medical examiner determined that Briella died from probable positional asphyxia, which can occur when a person becomes trapped in a position that interferes with normal breathing. The medical examiner classified the manner of death as accidental. Authorities have not publicly released a detailed account explaining exactly how Briella became trapped or how long she had been in that position.
Police later released a photograph of the wooden play kitchen as investigators sought to determine more about the product. The department said the playset had no identifying markings showing its brand, make or model and had been purchased secondhand through Facebook Marketplace. Police said online listings showed similar products described as a “Country Living Kitchen,” but authorities have not confirmed the manufacturer of the playset involved in Briella’s death.
A photograph released by police showed the toy kitchen with several openings and a space where a toy sink would ordinarily be located. Investigators have not said which part of the playset trapped Briella or whether a missing component contributed to the incident. Police also have not publicly disclosed the length of time between the child becoming trapped and being found.
The department previously said it would not release additional information while the investigation remained active. As of Aug. 20, police said there was no new investigative update to announce. No criminal charges have been publicly reported in connection with Briella’s death.
Briella’s family identified her publicly after her death. In an online fundraiser, relatives remembered her as a loving child whose personality and smile affected those around her. Her mother previously declined to comment to a local newspaper, and authorities have not publicly identified the babysitter or the babysitter’s spouse.
The medical examiner’s ruling establishes the medical cause and manner of Briella’s death, but the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the July 23 incident remains open. Authorities have not announced whether the case will result in any charges or other official action.