Wisconsin – In a tragic and preventable incident, a 1-year-old boy, identified as Asher D., drowned in a bathtub at his home after being left unsupervised by his mother. The child’s 28-year-old mother, Selena D., is now facing a felony charge of child neglect resulting in death.
The heartbreaking event unfolded on the morning of May 15, when emergency responders were called to a duplex near 53rd and Custer in Wisconsin around 9:30 a.m.
What Happened That Morning?
According to the criminal complaint, Selena had run a bath for her two sons—Asher, age 1, and his older brother, age 3. She admitted to filling the tub with water that went “just above” the baby’s belly as he sat in it.
After washing both children, Selena left the bathroom to make breakfast and attend to her older son. A short while later, her 3-year-old son came into the kitchen soaking wet, prompting her to check on the baby. She claims she saw Asher still playing in the tub and left again to dry the older child’s hair in the hallway.
However, by the time she returned to the bathroom a second time, Asher was floating face-down in the water. In a state of panic, Selena screamed for help, which alerted a neighbour, who rushed in and found her holding the lifeless child.
Emergency Response and Cause of Death
CPR was attempted by both Selena and the neighbour until emergency medical teams arrived. Asher was rushed to a children’s hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m.
The medical examiner confirmed that Asher died due to asphyxiation from drowning.
Legal Consequences
Following an investigation, Selena was charged with one count of child neglect resulting in death, a Class D felony in Wisconsin. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.
Selena reportedly admitted to police that the water level was too high for a child Asher’s age, and that she should not have left the bathroom while he was still in the tub. She said she was distracted by making breakfast and caring for her older child.
A judge ordered Selena to be held on bond, and her next court appearance is scheduled for later this month, where more evidence is expected to be presented.
A Community in Grief and a Cautionary Tale
The death of baby Asher has left the community heartbroken, and authorities have called it a “preventable tragedy.” Safety experts emphasize that even a few inches of water can be fatal for infants and toddlers, and that drowning can happen silently and in seconds.
Health agencies strongly advise that children under 4 years old should never be left alone in or near water, not even for a moment. Caregivers should remain within arm’s reach at all times, especially during bath time.
In a public statement, local officials said:
“This tragedy serves as a devastating reminder of how quickly life can be lost when proper care and supervision are not provided.”