Tragic Loss of 3-Year-Old Conrad Ashcraft Sparks Outrage and Investigation
The Park Hills, Missouri community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 3-year-old Conrad David Wade Ashcraft, who died while under the care of Poppy's Playhouse 2 daycare on May 16, 2025. Conrad, a nonverbal autistic child, was reportedly subjected to improper restraint during naptime, leading to his untimely death.(https://www.kktv.com)
Incident Details
According to a lawsuit filed by Conrad's mother, Tara Williams, a daycare employee allegedly used her legs to apply pressure to Conrad's chest and abdomen while he was lying down, in an attempt to make him sleep. He was also covered with an 18.2-pound weighted blanket. Staff failed to check on him for approximately four hours, and he was found unresponsive when his mother arrived to pick him up. (People.com, https://www.kktv.com)
Community Response and Legal Actions
The daycare, owned by Spring Gray—a former Park Hills City Councilwoman—has had its license suspended by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Gray has since resigned from her council position. The St. Francois County Sheriff's Department is conducting an ongoing investigation, with the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney appointed as a special prosecutor due to Gray's previous employment with the local prosecutor's office. (People.com)
Remembering Conrad
Conrad's obituary describes him as a joyful child who loved swimming, "Toy Story," Ms. Rachel, "Cocomelon," and the movie "Cars." He also enjoyed pizza and cherished time with his family. His aunt, Lacey Hardie, emphasized the family's devastation and their commitment to seeking justice for Conrad. (People.com, https://www.kktv.com)
For more details, you can refer to the original article on Ondoho:
Additionally, a video report covering the incident is available on YouTube: