Conrad David Wade Ashcraft dies in fatal Park Hills day care incident

Conrad David Wade Ashcraft dies in fatal Park Hills day care incident

Fatal Park Hills day care death of Conrad David Wade Ashcraft – Obituary

Three-year-old Conrad David Wade Ashcraft, a nonverbal autistic child, tragically died on Friday, May 16, at Poppy’s Playhouse day care in Park Hills, Missouri, according to officials and his family.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has confirmed that its Office of Childhood, which oversees childcare facilities, is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Local and state authorities are also involved due to the serious nature of the incident.

Conrad’s aunt, Lacey Hardy, described him as a gentle and loving child. She said he brought joy to all who knew him, calling his death “a horrific, callous, negligent, and senseless act that never should have happened.” She noted that due to ongoing investigations, further details about the incident could not yet be shared.

St. Francois County Coroner Jason Coplin stated that an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death. Park Hills police requested the sheriff’s office take over the investigation since the facility is owned by Park Hills City Councilwoman Spring Gray.

The day care is currently closed, and the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office confirmed detectives are actively investigating to provide answers for Conrad’s family and the community.