QUILCENE — Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the death of a 5-week-old baby that was discovered comatose by her father Friday morning.
An autopsy was scheduled for Friday, but neither Sheriff Mike Brasfield nor Undersheriff Tim Perry could be reached Friday or Saturday to comment on results of the autopsy or the status of the investigation.
When Jefferson County Fire District No. 2 (Quilcene) personnel arrived at the home on U.S. Highway 101, they were unable to detect vital signs but tried to revive the baby, according to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office issued Friday.
The child was transported to Jefferson Healthcare hospital in Port Townsend, where she was pronounced dead shortly after she arrived.
The girl’s father, who was not identified by sheriff’s officials, told investigators that she had a runny nose and was placed in an adult’s bed so she could be closer to her parents, the statement said.
Second toddler death
The death of the girl comes about three weeks after a 5-month-old Port Hadlock boy was killed when he was suffocated on a couch by his sleeping father’s feet.
The baby’s parents didn’t own a crib, so the child would either sleep in a car seat or on the couch.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell is reviewing documents and will make the decision whether to press charges against the father relating to the Dec. 30 death.
The father of the Quilcene girl told investigators that he was aware of the boy’s death and placed “protective pillows” in the bed, according to the sheriff’s statement.
