PEORIA, Ill. — There is currently no evidence of foul play in the death of an infant, discovered in Peoria County on Tuesday.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood confirms earlier reports about the baby’s death, originally reported to police and paramedics from an address in the Hanna City area.
No specific location nor any identifying information about the family involved is being released.
Harwood says first responders found the two-month-old baby lying unresponsive in a bed inside the home.
He says, for now it appears to be like a tragic accident, but autopsy results are still pending.
Harwood says the tragedy can offer as a reminder about best practices for safe infant sleep.
His office is part of a new group called The Infant Death Prevention Task Force, in partnership with the fire department, police department, county sheriff’s office, Pediatric Resource Center.
Also involved are DCFS, Advanced Medical Transport and Mobile Integrated Health, Unity Point Methodist Medical Center, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, UICOMP, city/county health department, and the county State’s Attorney’s office.
The task force focuses on helping to prevent the child deaths by informing new mothers and fathers about potential sleeping risks for infants.
A common practice is referred to as the “ABC” of safe sleep, standing for “Alone. Back. Crib.”