Harvey Muklebust was just five days away from his first birthday when he died unexpectedly. He attended Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare in Savage, Minnesota. Although his cause of death has not been released, police have launched an investigation of the facility and the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families has suspended the facility’s license. Sadly, it appears the facility has an unsavory past that potentially put children in harm’s way.
Following Harvey’s death, the Savage Police Department shared a warning for parents of children attending Rocking Horse Ranch.
“IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: As a precautionary measure, families with children who attend this childcare facility should closely monitor their children and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit altered mental status, unusual behavioral changes, or other concerning symptoms,” police advised in the post.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families suspended the facility’s license after “two instances of emergency medical services needed for infants” in a matter of days, Fox 9 reported. Harvey died, but the condition of the second infant remains unclear.
The news outlet looked at the Department of Human Services records and found multiple concerning findings. In June, authorities found that children had access to hazardous objects, the facility was in disrepair, and staff did not receive proper orientation materials.
A report from March 2025 revealed that children lacked access to proper personal hygiene products. Rocking Horse Ranch did not properly label diaper rash products, and the food served at the facility was not compliant with USDA nutritional guidelines, Fox 9 reported.
Harvey’s sudden death left his loved ones both shocked and grief-stricken. He was a precious little boy whose life ended far too soon.
According to his obituary, Harvey was “pure happiness and sunshine” from birth.
“Harvey’s favorite thing in the world was being surrounded by his family; whether that was at the dinner table where he got incredibly messy eating pizza or snuggling up on the couch as he drifted to sleep. Harvey could light up an entire room with his contagious smile and filled everyone’s hearts with joy through his adorable laugh,” his obituary reads.
Maggie Bauler and Caitlin Scott created a GoFundMe account for Harvey’s family. He leaves behind broken-hearted parents, Hunter and Catherine, and an older brother, Declan.
Police shared an update on September 25, confirming they attended Harvey’s autopsy but toxicology results could take months.
“This investigation is ongoing and comprehensive, and investigators are not ruling out any possible causes,” police noted. “Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
No parent should ever have to bury their baby. Hopefully, this family will find peace while preserving Harvey’s memory forever.
