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Medical examiner rules Bronx toddler's drowning at day care accidental
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 30, 2025
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From the "In Memory of River: A Family's Heartache" GoFundMe page
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 30, 2025
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A 20-month-old girl who drowned at a Bronx day care in August died accidentally, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
River Wilson died on Aug. 1 at Ana's Butterfly Garden Family Group, a home-based day care center in the Bronx's Castle Hill section. The medical examiner issued the ruling on Thursday, more than two months after her death.
The ruling comes as River’s parents, Ifiok and Ima Wilson, are suing the day care and its operators, Ana Feliz Gonzalez and John Guzman, alleging negligence led to their daughter’s death. The family announced the lawsuit earlier this month alongside U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres.
State records show that an unannounced inspection in May found no issues with pool access. But three days after River’s death, inspectors cited the day care for nine violations, including an inadequate pool fence, and suspended its license.
No one has been criminally charged in connection with the incident. A spokesperson for the Bronx district attorney's office said evidence was still being evaluated.
Torres has introduced federal legislation named River’s Law, which would ban swimming pools at residential day care centers and require door and window alarms.
The family’s attorney and the day care operators did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the medical examiner’s ruling.
Tagged
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public safety
the bronx
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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