Columbus, Ohio—A nearly one-month-old infant died at Nationwide Children’s Hospital following a tragic incident in which a nurse inadvertently caused the baby to be pulled from her crib, according to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Ellieana Jewel Peyton, born on March 4, 2025, to Mackenzie Marshall and Tyler Peyton of Zanesville, Ohio, was diagnosed with congenital dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affected the left side of her heart. Despite her diagnosis, Ellieana was making strides in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and was scheduled to be discharged on March 28, 2025.
The incident unfolded on March 26, when Ellieana’s parents stepped away from the hospital for a brief period. Family friends reported that the parents received a distressing phone call, informing them that their daughter had fallen. It was revealed in a GoFundMe campaign organized by a close family friend that the nurse had mistakenly kept Ellieana’s monitoring cords in her own pocket, leading to the tragic event.
As a result of the fall, Ellieana suffered a fractured skull and internal bleeding. She was hospitalized for five additional days before passing away on March 31, 2025. The autopsy report confirmed that her death was attributed to her congenital heart defect, worsened by blunt force trauma, and classified it as an accidental death resulting from a crib fall.
Mackenzie Peyton expressed her ongoing grief, stating, “The pain of losing my daughter is profound, and we have both good and bad days.” The family continues to navigate this unimaginable loss while reflecting on the brief but impactful time with their daughter.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital maintained privacy protocols and did not provide details about the incident. However, the facility emphasized its commitment to patient safety and the stringent guidelines that govern their NICU. These protocols are designed to ensure that parents have uninterrupted access to their children while safeguarding against potential hazards.
Despite her medical issues, Ellieana was progressing well, achieving developmental milestones that gave her family hope. Those who knew her described her as alert and engaging, often responding to her parents’ voices with curiosity. Her family shared fond memories of her endearing smile and expressive brown eyes, which brought joy even during challenging times.
The memorial service for Ellieana was held on April 5, 2025, at the First Church of God in Zanesville, with Pastor Nehemiah Gaiters officiating. Following the service, a cremation took place, facilitated by DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Ellieana’s family manage medical costs and lost wages during this heartbreaking period, addressing the difficult emotions and apprehensions of leaving their child’s side after the tragic incident.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a Level IV NICU, offers the highest level of care for critically ill newborns. It employs specialized medical personnel who provide constant monitoring for vulnerable patients with complex needs.
The Franklin County Coroner’s investigation concluded the incident to be accidental without any evidence of negligence or willful harm. While the official investigation has wrapped up, the family remains in mourning, cherishing the memory of a beloved daughter taken too soon.