In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on August 25th, four-year-old twins Aurora and Kellan tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident that has left their family and community shattered. The twins, who were always a source of joy and laughter, suffocated after falling asleep inside a cedar toy chest during the night.

The story of Aurora and Kellan serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk within seemingly harmless objects and the importance of child safety. Their father, Don Starr, had lovingly tucked them into bed that fateful night, unaware of the unforeseen turn of events that would follow. Instead of staying in their beds, the twins had 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 unwittingly sealed their fate. The cedar toy chest, designed to protect and store toys, turned into a silent, air-tight chamber where oxygen gradually dwindled, causing the twins to suffocate in their sleep. They were found lifeless in the chest by one of their older brothers who initially assumed they were simply asleep.

Their mother, Sadie Myers, shared her anguish and grief in a heartfelt tribute on social media. In her words, “Not many will know the pain of losing two children at the same time, and losing them in a way that makes no sense.” She expressed the agony of trying to cope with such an unimaginable loss and the challenge of shielding her other children from the traumatic sight of their siblings’ lifeless bodies.

Myers also issued a heartfelt warning to other parents, emphasizing the unexpected dangers associated with toy chests like the one that claimed her children’s lives. She stressed that these wooden chests could become air-tight and soundproof when closed, posing a grave risk to any child trapped inside. Urging parents to take immediate action, she called for the elimination of such chests from their homes to prevent any similar tragedies.

The bond shared between Aurora and Kellan was truly special. Before drifting off to sleep, they would exchange sweet goodnight wishes, with Aurora affectionately saying, “Good night, Kell Kell,” and Kellan responding with, “Night night, sissy.” The love they had for each other has left an indelible mark on their family’s hearts.

This tragic incident also sheds light on the importance of childproofing our homes. Despite efforts to secure the toy chest latch, it tragically proved insufficient to prevent it from becoming air-tight when closed. The heartbroken parents, Don Starr and Sadie Myers, are now faced with the unimaginable task of navigating their grief while 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 demonstrates their commitment to addressing the emotional scars this loss has left behind.

As the family copes with their deep loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Myers’ sister, Deanna, to provide support. The initiative has received an outpouring of generosity, with more than $17,000 raised to assist the family during this challenging period.

Aurora and Kellan’s story serves as a solemn reminder of the need for heightened 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. Additionally, 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 compels parents and caregivers everywhere to take action. It emphasizes 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 experienced by the Starr-Myers family. Aurora and Kellan’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew them, serving as a powerful reminder that child safety must always be our utmost priority.