Angel Blankenship, a mom of four, took her two youngest children to their first day of day care on May 19, 2025. Until that day, the children had always been by her side. Blankenship trusted Creative Beginnings of Lenoir in Lenoir, North Carolina, to care for them. Later that afternoon, she received a phone call that changed her life forever. Blankenship’s 16-month-old daughter, Madolyn “Maddy” Amara-Serenity Mitchell, never awoke from her nap. Now a day care center employee faces charges in her death.
According to court documents People obtained, officers from the Lenoir Police Department arrived at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir around 3 p.m. They followed up on a call about an infant in cardiac arrest. When they arrived, they found Maddy unresponsive. First responders attempted life-saving measures before transporting the toddler to Caldwell UNC Healthcare. Sadly, staff pronounced Maddy dead a short time later.
In addition, a GoFundMe claims Blankenship got updates from the day care center throughout the children’s first day.
“She received updates on them that they were doing just fine, having fun playing and learning new things,” the GoFundMe explains. “Until Angel got the call, no mother ever wants to get. Her precious baby girl never woke up from nap time.”
Of course, Maddy’s family will never forget her “vibrant and energetic” personality.
“Born on Christmas Day in Hickory, North Carolina, Maddy was a precious gift to her devoted parents, Angel Blankenship and Jovon Mitchell. The joy she brought into their lives and the lives of those around her was immeasurable,” her obituary reads. “The suddenness of Maddy’s passing has left our family utterly heartbroken. We were not prepared to say goodbye to our sweet Maddy, and her brief presence among us has deepened the devastation of this loss. The absence of her bright spirit will be felt deeply.”
Creative Beginnings of Lenoir issued a statement on Facebook the day after Maddy’s tragic death.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our sweet little angels at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir. Our hearts are broken, and we’re struggling to find the right words in the face of such sorrow,” the statement reads. “Please keep our teachers, staff, and everyone who loved this precious child in your prayers, but especially the family, as they grieve the unimaginable loss of their child. May God’s peace and comfort be with all who are hurting during this difficult time.”
The following day, on May 21, the Lenoir Police Department arrested 29-year-old Alexandra Coffey in connection with Maddy’s death. She was an employee at Creative Beginnings of Lenoir, but officials did not disclose her alleged role in the child’s death. Coffey faces one count of involuntary manslaughter. According to People, she posted a $500,000 bond and officials released her from jail.
WBTV reported the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services suspended Creative Beginnings of Lenoir’s license May 21. It ceased operations immediately. Maddy’s cause of death remains under investigation.
