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Fundraiser Launched For Family Of Baby Who Died At SoHo Day Care
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 14, 2015
Modified Jul 15, 2015
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 14, 2015
Modified Jul 15, 2015
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The parents of a three-month old infant who died at a SoHo daycare yesterday are facing mounting funeral, hospital and other bills, and now a fundraising page has been launched to assist them.
Karl Towndrow of Brooklyn was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital in critical condition around 12:20 yesterday afternoon after workers at the daycare found him unresponsive and called 911. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The NY Times reports that Karl "had been fed a bottle of breast milk and put down for a nap on Monday morning." Sources tell the Daily News that the day care owner, Maryellen Strautmanis, "tried to burp him, but the baby was fussy." She reportedly put Karl down for a nap in a bassinet at 11:45 a.m., but found him unresponsive at 12:10 p.m.
SoHo Child Care, located at 69 Greene Street, was reportedly caring for 14 other children yesterday, and is apparently unlicensed. Police were seen escorting Strautmanis and two other workers to Manhattan’s 1st Precinct stationhouse yesterday and questioning them for about an hour, at which point the three were released.
Police say there were no obvious signs of trauma, and the medical examiner is currently working to determine the cause of death.
The child's parents, Amber Scorah and Lee Towndrow, are devastated. Disclosure: Amber and Lee are occasional contributors to Gothamist (and friends with several of our staffers). Deputy Editor Jen Carlson has launched a GoFundMe site to help with expenses they are now facing, like the unthinkable task of planning a funeral for their infant and dealing with medical bills as they grieve. The page says:
Karl Towndrow, three months old, died on July 13th at Lenox Hill Hospital after going into cardiac arrest at his daycare in Soho. It was his first day at the facility.
Karl was beloved by his parents, who doted on him every moment. He was their joy and brought happiness to everyone who met him.
His family and friends are grieving but are taking comfort in knowing they knew this sweet, innocent soul, even if it was all too brief.
In an effort to help his parents, given the unexpected and significant expenses they are now facing, we are launching this campaign in Karl's memory. The funds will go towards any funeral expenses and support for the family.
Karl's family would like to thank everyone who has offered their condolences and is offering support during this painful time.
Please share this link with anyone who might want to support Karl's family.
Note to the media: The family asks you to honor their wishes for privacy.
Both NY State and NYC agencies are investigating SoHo Child Care.
Tagged
fundraiser
Karl Towndrow
tragedy
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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