A Miami-Dade family’s outing to the park took a tragic turn over the weekend when a 3-year-old girl lost her life in a drowning incident at a lake in Hialeah.
The family of Malaysia Dantzler spoke with NBC6 on Monday while they were making arrangements for her funeral.
“My personal angel now,” expressed Latoya Williams, the girl’s grandmother, as she acknowledged that a part of her would always be missing.
The family has now identified the 3-year-old girl who tragically drowned in a lake at a park in Hialeah on Saturday.
Dantzler was the sole grandchild of Williams. She lovingly described the young girl as a vibrant and lively toddler who brought immense joy to her life.
“Malaysia holds a special place in my heart,” Williams expressed passionately. “She has been, and always will be, my everything. Whether she is present physically or spiritually, the connection I share with her is indescribable.”
During the birthday party at Amelia Earhart Park on Saturday, the toddler managed to slip away from her godmother.
“Malaysia was in the company of someone whom, at that particular moment, her parents had placed their trust in, to ensure her well-being,” expressed her uncle, Nigil Wright.
According to investigators, park rangers were alerted by a woman about Malaysia’s disappearance. The child was later discovered unresponsive in the water, as reported by the Miami-Dade Police.
The crew administered CPR to the girl and promptly transported her to the hospital, where medical professionals declared her deceased.
According to investigators, the death was deemed accidental.
“We, as a family, are currently grappling with the initial stage of denial,” Wright expressed. “It’s hard to believe that this has actually happened and that we are actually experiencing it.”
The family of the 3-year-old, who was non-verbal, wants to raise awareness about the significance of teaching water safety to children with special needs. They emphasize the importance of adults remaining vigilant whenever children are in close proximity to water.
“According to Wright, it is crucial to always keep a vigilant eye on children, regardless of whether they are your own or under your care. As the responsible adult, it is your duty to ensure their safety.”
The family plans to hold a memorial for Malaysia at the park on Wednesday. They have also set up a GoFundMe page to provide support for the family during this difficult time.