Tragedy struck at a church day care in Georgia on February 12, 2025. Staff reportedly put a 6-month-old baby girl named Lennon in a bouncy seat at Pittman Park Education Center. Later, someone noticed the child was unresponsive. Emergency crews took Lennon to an area hospital, where she died five days later. Her death devastated the community, which now wants answers.
Sadly, it appears Pittman Park Education Center also allegedly had another problem in the recent past. WJCL uncovered records from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, or DECAL, regarding a 2024 incident at the center. A staff member allegedly “popped” a child who would not put on shoes. The adult faced a battery charge and no longer works at the center.
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DECAL confirmed Lennon’s death in a statement to WJCL. It reads in part, “Emergency services were immediately contacted, and the child was transported to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, the child sadly passed away on February 17, 2025.This is an open investigation. At DECAL, our top priority is the health and safety of Georgia’s youngest learners.”
The Rev. Jonathan Smith, senior pastor at Pittman Park United Methodist Church, also shared a statement with the news outlet. He wrote:
“Our hearts are heavy as we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our precious PPEC children. Our entire Pittman Park Education Center (PPEC) family is grieving alongside this child’s loved ones during this devastating time.
We ask our community to join us in lifting this family up in prayer, offering them comfort, strength, and peace in the midst of unimaginable loss. As a faith-filled community, we are committed to surrounding them with love, support, and the unwavering grace of God.
Please be assured that we are working closely with all necessary agencies to navigate this situation with care, compassion, and sensitivity. Our priority remains the well-being of our children, families, and staff as we move through this difficult time together.
We are deeply grateful for the strength and unity of our community in moments like these. May we continue to hold one another close and find peace in the love of Christ.”
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Statesboro Police Captain Jared Akins told WJCL the incident is under investigation. He wants to reserve premature judgement on the situation.
“We keep an open mind with any of them. We don’t prejudge anything until the evidence comes out, the interviews are done, and the medical exam is complete,” he said.
Akins added, “You have to establish a baseline on the child, the child’s health, the child’s behavior, people’s interactions with the child. There’s just a lot of things that go into it.”
