In a heartbreaking incident that took place on August 25th, the lives of four-year-old twins, Aurora and Kellan, were tragically cut short. This devastating accident has left their family and community shattered. The twins, who brought immense joy and laughter to their loved ones, suffocated after falling asleep inside a cedar toy chest during the night.
This heart-wrenching story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of child safety and the hidden dangers that can lurk within seemingly harmless objects. Their father, Don Starr, had lovingly tucked them into bed that fateful night, unaware of the unforeseen turn of events. Instead of staying in their beds, the twins decided to snuggle up inside the cedar toy chest, which was usually used to store their stuffed animals.
As the night wore on, the children unknowingly sealed their fate. The cedar toy chest, designed to protect and store toys, turned into a silent, airtight chamber where oxygen gradually diminished, causing the twins to suffocate in their sleep. They were found lifeless in the chest by one of their older brothers, who initially thought they were simply asleep.
Their mother, Sadie Myers, expressed her anguish and grief with a heartfelt tribute on social media. She shared the pain of losing two children at the same time, in a way that makes no sense. Coping with such an unimaginable loss and shielding their other children from the traumatic sight of their siblings’ lifeless bodies has been an agonizing challenge.
Myers also issued a heartfelt warning to other parents, shedding light on the unsuspected dangers associated with toy chests like the one that claimed her children’s lives. She emphasized that these wooden chests could become airtight and soundproof when closed, posing a grave risk to any trapped child. Urging parents to take immediate action and eliminate such chests from their homes, she hoped to prevent any similar tragedies.
The story of Aurora and Kellan is marked by the touching connection they shared as siblings. Every night before sleep, Aurora would affectionately say, “Good night, Kell Kell,” and Kellan would respond with, “Night night, sissy.” Their deep bond and love for each other have left an indelible mark on their family’s hearts.
This tragic incident also highlights the importance of childproofing our homes. Despite efforts to secure the toy chest latch, it tragically proved insufficient to prevent it from becoming airtight when closed. Don Starr and Sadie Myers, the heartbroken parents, now face the unimaginable task of grieving while also supporting their older children through this traumatic experience.
To protect their older sons from further emotional distress, the grieving parents have arranged for them to stay with family members during this trying period. Seeking professional help through family therapy sessions shows their commitment to addressing the emotional scars left by this loss.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department was called to the scene but could not intervene in time to save the young lives of Aurora and Kellan. The family’s privacy is being respected, with law enforcement officials choosing to be discreet about the details of the tragedy.
As the grieving family navigates their loss and the immense emotional burden it carries, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Myers’ sister, Deanna. This initiative has received an outpouring of support, with over $17,000 raised to assist the family during this challenging period.
Aurora and Kellan’s story was one of joy, laughter, and innocence. Their passing serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased awareness regarding child safety. Non-profit organization Kids in Danger reports that, since 2014, at least 34 children have lost their lives in incidents involving toy chests. Furthermore, over 21,500 toy chests have been recalled since 2005 due to various hazards, including strangulation, entrapment, injury, and lead poisoning.
The tragic loss of Aurora and Kellan calls upon parents and caregivers everywhere to take action. It highlights the critical importance of child safety measures, thorough inspection of children’s furniture and toys, and constant vigilance to prevent unforeseen accidents. No family should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain and loss that the Starr-Myers family has experienced. The memory of Aurora and Kellan will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them, reminding us that child safety must always be our utmost priority.
