A Heartbreaking Loss

Two young children, ages two and nine, tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. Authorities believe the cause of their deaths was related to the extreme cold they endured while living in a van for several months. Their heartbreaking deaths highlight not only the difficulties faced by homeless families but also the gaps in the support systems that are meant to provide help.

The Family’s Struggles

The two children, along with their mother, siblings, and grandmother, had been living in a van for at least two months. According to reports, the family had sought help from the city’s homeless resources in the past, but their efforts to find a stable living situation were unsuccessful. On the night of the tragedy, the van ran out of gas after pulling into the Hollywood Casino parking garage around 1 a.m. Unfortunately, the family was left stranded in the freezing temperatures, which at the time were around 12°F, with a wind chill of just 6°F.

Credits: IFS

The children’s mother, a 29-year-old woman, called a close relative when she realized that her nine-year-old son had stopped breathing. Tragically, by the time help arrived, the mother also discovered that her two-year-old had stopped breathing. Despite rushing both children to the hospital, the two young lives were lost, with the early indicator being that they succumbed to the freezing cold.

An Investigation Begins

As the community grapples with this unimaginable loss, authorities are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The other children in the family, ranging in age from four to 13, were also treated at the hospital but were found to be in stable condition. They are now under the care of other family members.

Detroit Police Captain Nathan Duda emphasized the importance of investigating the situation thoroughly, saying that while the loss of the two children is devastating, it is crucial to understand how the tragedy unfolded and ensure that such an incident doesn’t happen again. The children’s mother and grandmother were questioned but have not been charged with any crime.

The Struggles of Accessing Help

The case highlights a critical issue in Detroit’s homeless services. The city’s Mayor Mike Duggan revealed that the family had reached out to the city’s homeless response team multiple times. However, their request for assistance in late November had not been resolved, and no outreach workers were sent to help them. Tragically, the family ended up living in their van, parking in various casino parking lots where they could access restrooms.

Just weeks after the mother sought help, a nearby shelter opened up, but it was too late for this family. The mayor called for a review of the city’s homeless services, urging officials to find ways to make them more accessible to those in need. He stressed that the system must be improved to ensure that people in distress can reach the help they desperately need.

A Call for Change

The tragedy has prompted a broader conversation about homelessness and the adequacy of support systems in place. Mayor Duggan and Deputy Mayor Melia Howard are now leading an effort to review the city’s housing programs and make necessary adjustments to prevent similar events from happening again.

As the city comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, officials are committed to ensuring that no other family has to endure the same pain. The Detroit Board of Police Commissioner Tamara Liberty Smith, who has been in contact with the mother, shared that the grieving mother is devastated by the loss of her children. She noted that despite the tragedy, the family had always tried to support one another.

Looking Ahead

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved outreach and support for vulnerable families. As Detroit works to ensure that the services are accessible and effective, officials are determined to prevent future tragedies and lift up families in their times of greatest need.

The mother, who was set to start a new job in Flint, is now left to mourn the loss of her children, and the community stands in solidarity with her, hoping that reforms can prevent such a devastating event from ever happening again.