Tragedy as 3-Year-Old Girl Dies After Becoming Trapped Inside Wooden Toy Oven

A three-year-old girl has died after becoming trapped inside a wooden kitchen playset while reportedly trying to retrieve toys that had fallen inside.

Briella Holmes was at a babysitter’s home in the Meadows of Boynton Beach, Florida, when the tragic incident occurred on July 23.

According to police, the toddler and her sibling were being cared for by a babysitter. The babysitter left the home briefly to visit a shop, leaving the children in the care of her partner.

The children were downstairs while the carer remained upstairs, occasionally coming down to check on them and give them snacks.

During one of those checks, Briella was discovered trapped inside the wooden play kitchen.

Briella was found trapped inside the playset

Police said Briella’s sibling told investigators that toys had fallen inside the play kitchen and that the three-year-old had become stuck while trying to retrieve them.

The babysitter’s partner freed her and immediately began attempting life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived, according to police.

Fire crews then rushed Briella to hospital in critical condition.

Despite efforts to save her, the little girl died four days later.

A report from the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner determined that Briella’s death was caused by probable positional asphyxia, a form of suffocation that can occur when the position of the body prevents a person from breathing properly.

Her death was ruled an accident.

The investigation remains open

Police later revealed that the wooden kitchen playset had been purchased second-hand through Facebook Marketplace.

The toy had no visible markings identifying its brand, manufacturer or model.

Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Boynton Beach Police Department said: “This investigation remains active and ongoing.”

Police also confirmed that they would not be making any additional statements at this time.

Family remembers Briella as a “bright light”

Following her death, a GoFundMe page set up in Briella’s memory described the three-year-old as a “bright light in the lives of so many.”

Her family remembered her for her kindness, beautiful spirit and smile.

“She had a kind heart, a beautiful spirit, and a smile that could light up any room,” the tribute said.

The fundraising campaign has already surpassed its £51,248 target, with donations reaching just over £58,569.

Briella’s death has left her family and those who knew her mourning a little girl whose life was tragically cut short at just three years old.