Negligence and Tragedy, Day Care Worker Accused of Suffocating Toddler While Distracted on Phone

A heartbreaking case out of Lenoir, North Carolina, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over child safety in daycare facilities, following the death of a 16-month-old girl on what was supposed to be her first day in care. According to a newly filed wrongful death lawsuit, day care employee Alexandra Coffey allegedly caused the child’s death through a shocking act of negligence.

The toddler, identified as Maddy Mitchell, was placed down for nap time at Creative Beginnings on May 19, 2025. When the child resisted sleep and attempted to get up, Coffey allegedly forced her face down onto a mat, covered her head with a blanket, and used her body weight to restrain her. The lawsuit claims Coffey lay across the child’s torso and neck while using her legs to pin the toddler’s legs down—all while scrolling on her phone.

Disturbingly, the filing states that the child struggled briefly, moving one leg in distress, before eventually going still. Coffey reportedly remained in that position for several minutes before getting up and continuing her duties without checking on the child. It was not until three hours later that Maddy was found unresponsive, by which time rigor mortis had already set in.

Coffey has since been arrested and is awaiting trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Meanwhile, Maddy’s family is pursuing civil action, alleging gross negligence and seeking justice for their daughter, while calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies.