A family in Mobile, Alabama, is seeking answers after their 4-year-old daughter, Algeria Singleton, was found limp and unresponsive at her school and later diagnosed with a dangerously high blood alcohol level.
The incident happened on Monday, April 28, when Mary and Albert Singleton arrived to pick up their daughter from Collins-Rhodes Elementary School and were shocked to find teachers carrying their child, who appeared extremely ill.
What Happened to Algeria?
When the Singletons arrived that afternoon, they received no earlier warning that anything was wrong. A school nurse mentioned it might be an ear infection, but the girl’s limp body and drooling mouth told a different story.
Her teacher urged the parents to rush her to the emergency room — and that decision may have saved her life.
Hospital Transfer and a Strange Smell
Algeria was transferred between hospitals for better treatment. On the way, a nurse noted that the child had vomited once in the ambulance, but the blanket smelled more like disinfectant than vomit, raising more concerns.
“If you smell it, it doesn’t smell like vomit. It smells like some kind of cleaner,” said Albert Singleton, her father.
Toxicology Report: Blood Alcohol Level at 0.29
The real shock came when the hospital shared the toxicology report. Algeria’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was an alarming 0.29, which is near-lethal even for an adult. Such a level in a small child can easily lead to coma or death.
“How is this even possible?” her father asked. “Where was the supervision?”
Ethanol, the type of alcohol found in beverages like beer and wine, is also present in hand sanitizers, cleaners, and some cosmetic products — but how Algeria came into contact with such a high amount remains unknown.
Investigations Underway
So far, school officials have not explained how this happened. A spokesperson for the Mobile County School District confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Department is also now involved.
“It’s hard to deal with seeing your child walk into school and be carried out, and not knowing what’s going on,” Albert said in an interview with Fox 10.
Family Feels Betrayed
The Singletons are not only heartbroken but also angry at how the school handled the situation. They said the school has a long relationship with their family, as their older children had studied there too.
“We feel betrayed,” Albert said. “They could have communicated better with us.”
Algeria is Recovering
Thankfully, Algeria is now back home and recovering well. Doctors expect her to make a full recovery, but her family says they will continue seeking justice and answers.