When Ima and Ifiok Wilson took their 1-year-old daughter, River, to day care on August 1, 2025, they felt at peace. The couple trusted the owner of Anna’s Butterfly Garden Family Group in the Bronx, New York, and believed their daughter would be well taken care of. Tragically, River drowned that day, and her parents want answers.
Ifiok Wilson told News 12 The Bronx that when he dropped his daughter off, he thought the facility was safe. Ima Wilson told the news station the unnamed owner allegedly told the parents that River opened a door, climbed a fence, and wound up inside a swimming pool.
“How does she open a door?” Ima Wilson asked. “She cannot open doors.”
She called her daughter’s death “gross neglect.” The New York Daily News reported a day care provider allegedly realized she hadn’t seen River in about 20 minutes and then found her in the pool.
Police sources reportedly told News 12 The Bronx they do not suspect criminal activity, but that’s not enough for Ima Wilson. The grief-stricken mother doesn’t believe the story and wants answers.
“She had scratches on her face. She had bruises on her face,” she said through tears. “What happened to her?”
Per the New York Daily News, medics rushed River to Montefiore Medical Center, but she could not be revived.
The parents adored their baby girl and will miss her tremendously. Ima Wilson announced her daughter’s birth in a heartfelt Instagram post in November 2023.
“Today we remember what we are thankful for. God has blessed me with a strong support system, thankful is an understatement. Between my mom and two sisters they have been my rock throughout this delivery process. I am grateful to have them and all my family members and friends in my life. God is soooo Good to me. Thank you all, I love each of you 🙏 Welcome River Edima Wilson, you are the best thing that has happened to me, you are my whole heart, my river of joy , mommy loves you so much,” she wrote.
The couple claims they have heard nothing from the day care’s owner. News 12 The Bronx reported that mourners created a makeshift memorial outside the day care center with flowers and a Bible.
“She was good. She was an angel. Came to his world to just bless us,” Ima Wilson said.
