A young Ohio couple is facing every parent’s worst nightmare — just as they were preparing to bring their newborn baby girl home, tragedy struck.
Baby Ellieana Peyton was born on March 4 with a rare heart condition called cardiomyopathy. According to her family, the left side of her heart was slightly smaller than normal. Despite the diagnosis, her loved ones say she was doing well and had spent her first few weeks in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for close monitoring.
Then, something unthinkable happened.
Ellieana’s parents had left the hospital to shower when they received a gut-wrenching call that changed everything.
“The parents went home to shower and received a call stating their baby had been dropped,” family friend Stella Dunlap wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for the grieving family.
“They were told their nurse had kept the baby’s monitor cords in her pocket and when she went to walk away, the baby was then dragged from her NICU crib.”
According to the Franklin County coroner’s report, Ellieana suffered a fractured skull and brain bleeds. The injuries were the result of a fall from her crib and were determined to be accidental. Despite medical efforts, she passed away from her injuries on March 31.
“She made this world a better place for 29 days. Rest in peace, Ellieana,” Dunlap wrote.
Her family, heartbroken and still in shock, described Ellieana as a radiant little soul.
“Ellieana had the most contagious smile that would light up the room,” her obituary reads. “She had the most beautiful brown eyes that you could stare into for hours. Her favorite place to be was in the loving arms of her mommy, daddy, and family.”
While her time on Earth was brief, Ellieana left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. Her family is now navigating an unbearable loss, leaning on community support as they seek answers and try to heal.
They’ve thanked everyone who has reached out during this devastating time.
“She was so loved,” they said.
No parent should ever have to leave the hospital without their child. But Ellieana’s memory, her smile, and the love she gave in just four short weeks will never be forgotten. RIP!