Though the terrifying scenario is far too common, the details in this case are particularly haunting. Last week Rihana Bralic Leonard, 2, was getting ready to be a flower girl in her parents' wedding. I'm sure she was giddy with excitement about the dress, the flowers, and the big day, as all little flower girls are. Unfortunately, Rihana never made it down the aisle.
The wedding of her mother Mariana Bralic to her stepfather, Corey Leonard, was set to take place on Saturday, according to CBC News. However, Thursday evening after a rehearsal dinner, little Rihana somehow managed to make her way out onto the balcony through an open door, then crawled over the ledge of her ninth-floor apartment's balcony. She fell to her death below.
By all accounts, it was nothing but an accident -- a horrific, tragic accident, which could have been prevented.
Especially in summer, the headlines are peppered with stories like this across the country and around the world. The windows are open; sliding doors are letting in breezes; and unattended toddlers manage to make their way into dangerous situations. Sometimes they survive; all too often, such as in the case of Rihana, they do not.
More from The Stir: Tragic Baby Death Shows Importance of Careful Co-Sleeping
The couple has, understandably, postponed their wedding so that they can deal with their grief. I can't imagine how they'll ever be able to actually go through with it, knowing their flower girl isn't there with them and never will be. I can't imagine how they'll go on at all.
The last thing this couple needs right now is blame, so I don't write this to blame them or anyone. I'm sure they're blaming themselves plenty regardless of who was in the apartment at the time or who was supposed to be watching her. It should, however, serve as an important reminder to others that toddlers must be watched at all times, and that locks and other safety devices on windows and doors are imperative.
Do you have safety measures in place on your doors and windows?
Image via Frames-of-Mind/Flickr
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Comments 43
I can't fathom it. Prayers with this family, they're going to need them. =(
That is horrible. My condolences to the family. Accidents happen to us all, most of the time we are just lucky that the consequences aren't this bad.
We use double sided key lock dead bolts and have a single story house. My heart goes out to this family I can not even begin to imagine their pain. Just the other day my niece who is just about to turn 2 managed to escape 4 adults in less then a second and she was running down the middle of the street. Luckily the street wasn't busy and she wasn't hurt. All 4 of us were after her immediately. Toddlers even under watchful eye can be very quick especially when they are determined to do what THEY want to do.
What a tragic loss, I don't think I would ever be able to get married after that.
I lived in a 3rd floor condo and it always terrfied me that my son would fall off the deck and it actully caused me such bad anxiety I was hospitalized so we decided to move to a house where we could have a yard, and it just so happens that it is a full level basement suite so the windows are 5 feet high, the perfect toddler proofed windows, and blinds. I can only imagine the pain these parents are feeling, it breaks my heart especially with the given circumstances.
RIP little Rihana, my condolences to her mother and step father, I couldn't possibly understand what they are going through but can imagine that its as close to hell as any living soul can get
so very sad, :'((