Authorities Say Child’s Death at Home Day Care an Accident

Boone County authorities say the death of an 11-month-old girl at a small home-based day care near Columbia was an accident.

Sheriff's Detective Tom O'Sullivan say deputies went to the day care east of Columbia Thursday on a report of an unresponsive child. He says the girl apparently became entangled in a blanket and suffocated while she was sleeping in a crib.

O'Sullivan told The Columbia Daily Tribune that preliminary indications point to a "tragic, accidental death." He said it will be a couple of weeks before autopsy results are received.

Five children were at the house, including one of the home owner's children.

O'Sullivan said the woman doesn't have a license for the day care. State law does not require a license for four or fewer unrelated children.