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Days after three-year-old Briella Holmes was found stuck in a toy kitchen with other toys trapping her, she died. The little girl died of “probable positional asphyxia,” according to the local medical examiner in Palm Beach County, Fla., per Daily Mail.
Although the death was filed as accidental, both Briella and her brother were playing unsupervised in the house when the accident occurred, prompting questions about how the babysitter’s husband had cared for them at the time.
After Briella was taken to the hospital, her mother, Suzi Holmes, shared an update on Facebook where she wrote that extensive testing was being done to determine the outcome. She admitted at the time that her family was preparing for the worst but still hopeful for a “miracle.” Briella died not long after Suzi made the post asking for prayers.
The three-year-old was playing with her sibling when the accident happened.
💔 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIES AFTER HEAD BECOMES STUCK IN PLAY KITCHEN AT BABYSITTER’S HOME
— Abby Blabby (@abbyblabby11) August 5, 2026
This is heartbreaking.
A 3-year-old Florida girl has died after her head became trapped inside a toy play kitchen while she was at her babysitter’s home.
The tragic incident happened on July… pic.twitter.com/Ncd8PcdGYu
According to the New York Post, Briella was in the care of her babysitter at her babysitter’s home when the sitter had to step out. She left her husband in charge of Briella and her brother. It was during that time, police said, per the outlet, that Briella got her head stuck in a play kitchen toy. Her brother explained that other toys fell on her, essentially trapping her in the kitchen.
Although the babysitter’s husband did reportedly check on the children, he was not in the same room when the accident occurred. He performed CPR and Briella was rushed to a local hospital.
The press release for the local sheriff’s department said, “The spouse came down to check on the children and located the 3 year-old with their head stuck in a kitchen play set. The spouse removed the child and immediately began performing life-saving measures until first responders arrived. The toddler’s sibling advised that the child’s toys had fallen into the kitchen play set when they attempted to retrieve the toys and became stuck. At this time, charges have not been filed. The investigation remains ongoing.”
The three-year-old’s mother shared more details about the accident.
Briella’s mother, Suzi, posted a Facebook update about her daughter’s health before she died. At the time, the family was hopeful that a miracle might step in to save the three-year-old. Suzi asked for prayers from family members, loved ones, and friends.
“We were given devastating news earlier this morning about our sweet girl,” Suzi wrote. “She has stopped showing signs of sustained life outside of the ventilator support. Because of the pressure on her brain, she has developed diabetes insipidus, which is preventing the doctors from running the official brain death testing until her numbers stabilize. It isn’t legally official yet, and while we are unfortunately preparing ourselves for that reality, we are still praying for a miracle. Thank you again for all your love and support.”
The family started a GoFundMe.
After the accident that would, days later, claim Briella’s life, family members started a GoFundMe Briella’s parents and the rest of her immediate family. The fundraiser was posted after Briella’s death and said that the funds would go to helping to “ease the financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses, along with other unexpected costs during this incredibly difficult time.”
As of early August 2026, it has reached more than $75,000, above its original $70,000 goal, through more than 600 donations.
No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
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