A South Carolina family is grieving the loss of their toddler after a tragic accident claimed the young girl’s life. Ja’Laya Bryant, who was 22 months old, was staying with her grandparents when she was crushed by a dresser. Ja’Laya was attempting to climb the furniture when it fell on her, ending her life just as it was beginning. As her family is working through their loss, they are also taking the opportunity to warn others about the importance of securing furniture.
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A family member discovered Ja'Laya's body under the dresser.
One of Ja’Laya’s family members discovered the toddler’s body underneath the dresser, WYFF reported. The dresser caused significant injuries. By the time emergency services arrived at the home, Ja’Laya had gone into cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the Mirror.
A preliminary investigation found that she died from asphyxiation. There was no evidence of foul play. The Anderson County Child Death Investigation Task Force is still looking into the death.
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The toddler's family used the tragedy to issue a warning to other families.
Ja’Laya’s great-aunt used her Facebook page to implore other families to secure heavy furniture to prevent this type of accident from occurring again.
“PLEASE PLEASE- double check that your furniture it bolted to the wall, doors are closed to keep our littles safe!” she wrote. “My beautiful great-great niece, Ja’Laya, 20 months old, loved by everyone with her attitude and precious personality! Life will never be the same, but by Gods grace we will persevere!”
'My world is upside down,' Ja'Laya's mother wrote.
Jordan Donaldson, Ja’Laya’s mother, also took to social media to share some words for those who were trying to get in touch with her during this time.
“Thank Y’all For All The Calls And Text," the mother wrote. "We Just Gotta Take It One Day At A Time! I Know Everyone Wants To See Me, But I Need Space … My World Is Upside Down."
The community is finding a way to honor Ja'Laya and offer comfort to her mother.
Other people are choosing to honor the toddler by hanging pink balloons around the city. Under the title, “Pink for Lay,” family and friends are encouraged to display pink ribbons and balloons and take pictures.
“Let’s show Jordan Donaldson the love…Let her know she’s not alone. She needs us all right now.”
