A devastating incident in 2023 revealed the dangers posed by certain toy chests, when four-year-old twins Kellan and Aurora suffocated after falling asleep inside a large cedar chest at home. The chest’s lid created an airtight, soundproof environment, preventing the children from getting enough air.
Their mother, Sadie Myers, shared the tragic story to raise public awareness about this hidden hazard. She explained that the twins, having removed most stuffed animals to make the chest cozy, went to sleep inside. Unknown to them and their family, the sealed lid slowly caused a lack of oxygen, leading to their deaths without struggle or noise.
Authorities and child safety experts caution that toy chests, hope chests, and storage trunks with heavy, sealing lids have been linked to multiple child deaths nationally. Many older chests, often passed down or purchased secondhand, pose higher risks due to lack of safety features.
Parents are urged to inspect toy chests for ventilation or mechanisms preventing sudden closure and to supervise children to avoid entrapment. This tragedy underscores the importance of safety regulations and public awareness to protect young children.
