1 Foster Child Dead, 1 Hospitalized in Auburn, Mass.; DCF Investigating

A 2-year-old girl died and another was in critical condition Sunday after the pair was found unresponsive at a foster home in Auburn, Massachusetts. 

The children's foster mother called 911 at 12:23 p.m. Saturday, reporting two children were unresponsive, District Attorney Joseph D. Early said at a news conference Sunday. When emergency officials arrived, they performed CPR on one girl who was unconscious. 

"We heard a scream and then we saw the cops and we came outside and she had the baby in her arms," explained neighbor Sonia Guzman.

They were transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester where one girl was pronounced dead a short time later.

Worcester County officials said they are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results for the cause of the toddler's death. They say the other child remains hospitalized "in very critical condition."

Family members identified the deceased child as Avalena Conway Coxon.

"She was the most precious child," said grandmother Diane Coxon, fighting back tears. "She was the best baby." 

One other foster child and three biological children of the mother were removed from the home at 2 Pheasant Court, according to the Department of Children and Families. It was unclear if anyone else lived in the residence with the mother and children.

"It was very sad what happened to the girls, very sad," Guzman continued. "But she's a good mother. She is a really good mother with the kids, so I don't know what happened."

"She's good. She's out here and watches them," another neighbor said. "She does everything with them. She takes them on vacation, she's a good mom."

Early said officials were "very familiar" with the foster mother, who, he adds, has cooperated with the investigation. There was no initial sign of abuse and no one has been taken into custody, a police chief said.  

The DCF tells necn it is working to determine what went on at the foster home.

"The department is actively working with law enforcement and medical personnel to determine the cause of death of one child and hospitalization of another child today," said spokesperson Andrea Grossman in a statement. "The department is conducting its own investigation and collaborating with law enforcement on its investigation."

An air quality test performed on the home came back negative, ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Early.

"Whatever happened, it was maybe an accident. She's a good mom with all her kids. She was going to adopt the babies too," Guzman explained.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's press secretary, Elizabeth Guyton, said "he is deeply saddened to learn of this tragic situation and is in constant communication with leadership at DCF and public safety about their ongoing investigation."

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