A Kentucky family is reeling from a serious accident involving their young son, who suffered severe burns after an incident with a kitchen appliance. The family of 22-month-old Daelyn Davis has come forward to share their harrowing experience, which took place in their Somerset home.
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On July 17, the toddler was airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville after he accidentally pulled down the cord of a Crock-Pot that had been left plugged in on the kitchen counter. Daelyn’s aunt, Abigail Davis, described her panic upon receiving the news. “I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ and [Daelyn’s mother] said that he had pulled the cord down on himself,” she recounted to local media outlets LEX 18 and WKYT.
Abigail’s heart sank as she received the call that her nephew was being airlifted. “Oh my God, I was devastated. I was heartbroken, like my heart was racing. I couldn’t go back to sleep,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. The family has since been focused on supporting Daelyn through his recovery.
According to Abigail, Daelyn’s mother had been using the Crock-Pot to prepare toast, a task she had completed numerous times before. However, during a brief moment of distraction, the toddler managed to grab the cord, resulting in the tragic incident. The family has expressed concern over the use of an extension cord, as the appliance was not plugged directly into a wall outlet at the time.
Medical professionals reported that Daelyn sustained third-degree burns on 20% of his body, affecting his right side and part of his head. Although he has shown some resilience by getting up and moving around, he has struggled with the feeding tube and has experienced frequent vomiting, creating additional challenges in his recovery.
As the family navigates this difficult time, Daelyn is expected to undergo a skin graft procedure, which adds to the emotional burden felt by his first-time mother. Abigail Davis expressed her sister’s overwhelming feelings of guilt, noting, “Everything is new to her as it is. She’s definitely feeling the guilt from this and blaming herself. But she just wants her son to get better.”
In light of the medical expenses and the need for additional support, Abigail set up a GoFundMe page aimed at raising funds to assist the family with their mounting costs. The fundraiser has garnered an impressive response, with donations exceeding £7,000 from friends and compassionate members of the community.
The family has been touched by the support they have received during this challenging time. Abigail remarked, “We are very thankful and grateful for all the support from everyone we’re receiving, all the prayers, just the good vibes and everything sent our way.” Their resilience is evident as they strive to ensure Daelyn’s well-being.
Authorities, including the U.S. Fire Administration, have reminded the public about the dangers associated with kitchen appliances. Their guidelines advise consumers against using extension cords for cooking appliances and encourage direct connections to wall outlets. They also recommend a number of safety precautions when using kitchen appliances to minimise risks.
As the Davis family works through their grief and prayers for healing, they hope to raise awareness about kitchen safety in the hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future. The heartbreaking story of Daelyn serves as a reminder of the need for caution in the kitchen, especially when young children are involved.