Three individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the tragic death of three-month-old Josiah Noel Seright, who died of hypothermia after being wrapped in a wet blanket and placed in front of an air conditioner at a Budget Inn hotel in Augusta, Georgia.
The incident, which occurred early on a Tuesday morning, has shocked the local community and highlighted severe lapses in infant care.
The baby was discovered unresponsive in the hotel room and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Authorities confirmed that Josiah succumbed to hypothermia after being exposed to cold air from an AC unit set to 61 degrees Fahrenheit.
The baby’s mother, 19-year-old September De’Asia Seright, along with 42-year-old Diane Lamish Seright and 39-year-old Antonio Bennie Nash, have been arrested and face serious charges, including felony murder and second-degree child cruelty.
According to arrest warrants, the infant was left in a car seat in the bathroom while his mother took a shower.
Afterward, he was wrapped in a wet blanket and placed in front of the air conditioner. The mother reportedly lay on a couch, while the other two suspects were in bed, unaware of the imminent danger to the child.
This tragic case underscores the critical need for better education and awareness regarding infant care.
Every year, preventable incidents like this result in the deaths of thousands of infants, many due to unsafe sleeping environments and improper temperature regulation. Josiah’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of proper care and vigilance in protecting vulnerable infants.
Investigation into Josiah’s death is ongoing.