The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services shut down an Omaha day care on August 23, amid an investigation into the death of a 1-year-old baby girl. Ra'Miyah Worthington was allegedly left inside a van outside Kidz of the Future Child Development Center II for several hours on Monday, and subsequently died from exposure to extreme temperatures. The driver of the van has been arrested and charged with the child's death.
Ryan Williams, 62, allegedly left Ra'Miyah in the van after driving her and two siblings to the day care facility, 6 News reported. The toddler's family is heartbroken and wondering how they will recover from such a profound loss.
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Williams allegedly got distracted.
According to Douglas County court documents obtained by 6 News, Williams claimed he transported Ra'Miyah to the day care center daily. On Monday. He said nine children were in the van, and when he was unloading them, a little boy allegedly didn't want to go inside.
A day care employee reportedly came to help Williams get the child out, but he claimed he was distracted by the situation. He also said he usually performs a final check of the van to ensure no one is inside, but admitted he did not do that on Monday, documents stated.
The child was in the van for at least five hours.
Court documents obtained by the outlet state that Ra'Miyah was in the van for five hours, corroborated by surveillance video. Her mother, Sina Johnson, told the news station she thinks her baby was in the van much longer.
"It had to be around eight in the morning — eight in the morning," Johnson told 6 News. "We didn't get a call until [3 p.m.]. My daughter could have been in there eight, seven hours, no windows down, no nothing. Screaming. Crying. Nobody heard anything. Everybody's in this building while she's literally outside in the parking lot."
The driver reportedly found the child when he went to start his afternoon route.
Court documents state that Williams found Ra'Miyah on the van floor several hours later. He reportedly grabbed her and ran into the facility to call 911. Temperatures in Omaha were forecasted to be in the 90s with a predicted heat index of 115 or 120. Ra'Miyah's body temperature was reportedly 109 degrees when she reached the hospital.
Ra-Miyah's family is devastated.
Her parents, Johnson and Reeyon Royale Worthington, shared their grief on social media.
"Give me strength not to jump over these chairs when I get to this court room today & have to see the man who played a part In my baby death I loved you and still love you baby I dont care who sees me hurting," Worthington wrote.
"I'm missing both my parents every day n now my daughter MY DAUGHTER she was only 1 god I need you," Johnson posted on her Facebook page.
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Friends created a GoFundMe in Ra'Miyah's honor.
The GoFundMe organizer, Casie Parker, claimed that Ra'Miyah died due to negligence on the part of the day care provider, and they wanted to help the family financially. The GoFundMe has raised more than $33,000 thus far.
"I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your beautiful baby girl," a donor wrote. "There are no words to express how much pain I know you must be feeling. All I can do is send you and your family my heartfelt thoughts and prayers. She is a little angel now. There needs to be measures in place to ensure something like this never happens again to any family, anywhere! All the love and healing- from a complete stranger! ♥️♥️♥️♥️."
"I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet angel," another message reads. "This really pulled at my heart strings because my younges of 4 is 18mos old and he is a lot like your sweet baby. Very smiley and loves everybody and dancing. I can't imagine the worst pain of your life. Stay strong for the rest of your babies and know that she is waiting for you at the pearly gates. You now have the most beautiful guardian angel. I will be anxiously waiting to see justice served."
Williams appeared in court Wednesday and was formally charged with child abuse by neglect resulting in death. A judge set his bail at $50,000. He is due to appear in court on September 26. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison, KETV reported.
