Every season has its safety risks, especially for young children. Winter is unique in that simply being outside in the elements, without proper clothing can cause serious injury or in the worst cases, death. Sadly, for one family in Corinna, Maine, the worst occurred.
A 3-year-old boy reportedly wandered away from the family home. The child’s aunt called authorities to help search for him, and eventually, the boy’s father found his son. But it was too late.
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While a coroner has yet to release official autopsy results, state officials believe the boy died due to exposure to the elements, NewsCenter Maine reports. Deputies arrived at the family home around 8:30 a.m. on January 12, 2025, after the boy’s aunt said her nephew had gone missing. Not long after, the father found the boy’s body a short distance from the residence.
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A press release from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office revealed some of the details of the case to the public. “Regretfully, the male child succumbed to injuries which appear to be consistent with exposure to the elements,” the release stated. The case remains open as police continue to investigate. A medical examiner will perform an official autopsy as a part of the ongoing investigation.
Police do not believe this toddler’s death represents a threat to public safety. Instead, they’ve deemed it an isolated incident. “The loss of a child is devastating and tragic. Our condolences are with the family and those impacted,” a spokesperson with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.
As is the standard with any child death, the police are prohibited from releasing further details. Doing so would violate confidentiality laws meant to protect children. The Maine State Police Major Crimes, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and Maine DHHS are all working together to investigate the child’s death. According to WABI, more information will be released as it becomes available.
