HIALEAH, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida family is devastated and speaking out after a tragic incident at Amelia Earhart Park claimed the life of 3-year-old Malaysia on Saturday.
Malaysia was at the park with her godmother for a family gathering when she somehow became separated from her caretaker. Family members reported that she was last seen near a lake at the park, located at 401 E 65th St. in Hialeah.
“During that time they were at the park, there was a separation between her [Malaysia] and the person [godmother] that she was there with,” said Malaysia’s uncle, Nigel Wright.
After realizing the child was missing, a family member quickly notified a park ranger.
“At some point during that search, one of the park rangers actually found her in the lake,” said Wright.
Malaysia was found unresponsive. Despite the best efforts of first responders, who administered CPR and rushed her to Palmetto General Hospital, Malaysia was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
“Unfortunately, she passed away,” said Wright.
Now, Malaysia’s family is focused on cherishing the wonderful little girl she was.
“Malaysia was full of life,” said Wright. “Malaysia was a loveable, a loveable young little girl. She was special needs but she was the light of her parent’s life.”
A light to so many, now her absence is leaving a hole in the hearts of this family.
“This seems unreal to be saying this about a 3-year-old, about anyone,” said Wright. “More or less, a 3-year-old, you know, we’re definitely going to miss her.”
Wright now hopes that his niece’s death can serve a purpose.
“Things happen—kids are quick. So that is the message: You have to keep your eyes on kids at all times, especially around water,” said Wright. “Water is like a magnet [to kids], and now we’re here unfortunately dealing with this. Malaysia is not the first that this has happened to, pray that she is the last. If we don’t do better as adults and we don’t become less distracted in the way we do our day-to-day lives, unfortunately, this is going to happen again.”
According to the family, Malaysia had special needs, which made constant supervision even more critical.
The uncle said she was drawn to the water as she followed some ducks so he stresses to parents to always keep an eye on the children.
The godmother, who was responsible for Malaysia at the time, is cooperating with the ongoing investigation by Miami-Dade Police.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Malaysia’s death has left her family heartbroken. Anyone who would like to contribute to Malaysia’s funeral funds can do so at this GoFundMe page.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.