A former daycare worker is facing legal action following the tragic death of a 16-month-old girl in North Carolina. On 16 March, an official wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Alexandra Coffey, alleging that her actions on 19 May 2025 led to the untimely demise of the toddler, Maddy Mitchell.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Maddy-Mitchell-31826-c14d0b6c2d3e4e2bbcad285fe9d2cfbf.jpg)
The lawsuit asserts that Coffey, who was employed at Creative Beginnings Daycare in Lenoir at the time, exhibited alarming behaviour with the child. According to the claims, she placed Maddy face down on a sleeping mat, covered her with a blanket, and then laid her upper body atop the child. The parents of the deceased, Angel Blankenship and Jovon Mitchell, allege that Maddy’s lower leg continued to kick for several minutes before ceasing movement altogether. Coffey reportedly remained on top of Maddy while using her phone, failing to check on the infant for a period of three hours.
The situation became dire when Coffey eventually moved, as by this time Maddy was unresponsive and showed signs of rigor mortis. The child was subsequently transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The official ruling by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner classified the manner of death as homicide, further complicating Coffey’s legal predicament.
Donald Strickland, the attorney representing Maddy’s parents, stated, “There’s no guesswork because everything that is alleged is on videotape.” The daycare is equipped with cameras as mandated by state law, which the parents believe will strengthen their case. Strickland described the incident as a preventable tragedy, noting that it was Maddy’s first day at the daycare, making the event all the more heartbreaking for the family.
Coffey has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the case. Her criminal defence attorney, Lisa Dubs, expressed that Coffey is devastated by the incident and maintains her innocence. Dubs confirmed that Coffey is currently out of custody after posting bail.
In light of this tragedy, Angel Blankenship spoke to local media expressing the family’s dedication to seeking justice for their daughter. “We don’t want this to happen to any other children. And we’re going to continue to fight for answers,” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll the loss has taken on the family.
The lawsuit and criminal charges against Coffey have drawn significant attention, raising questions about daycare practices and child safety. Observers note the importance of stringent regulations and more robust supervision within childcare facilities to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not recur.
As the case proceeds through the legal system, it has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics and responsibilities of daycare workers. The community remains on edge, eager for answers and hoping that the tragic loss of young Maddy will lead to improvements in the childcare sector.
The upcoming legal proceedings will be closely monitored, as videos from the daycare may provide critical evidence. Families who entrust their children to such facilities are hoping for a resolution that honours the memory of Maddy and ensures greater vigilance in the care of youngsters in daycare settings across North Carolina and beyond.