4-Year-Old Dies in Washing Machine

on February 5, 2009 at 4:10 PM

4 year old dies in washing machine I've long wanted to get one of those new front loading washing machines. But after reading this news story today about a 4-year-old who died in a washing machine this week, I've kinda changed my mind.

The girl, Kayley Ishii, from Mission Viego, California, climbed into a washing machine and her 15-month-old brother switched it on. Orange County Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino says the machine's controls were 20 inches from the floor and the start switch was a simple push button.

The girl was in the water-filled, tumbling machine for at least two minutes before her mother found her. Her death was ruled accidental.

It's so sad ... and another reminder that we have to stay vigilant. As one mom in the private CM Stay At Home Moms group, which has been talking about the tragedy, says:

Wow, the pain that went through my body at the thought of what a 4 year old must have went through right before she died. I wish this could be a false story because this breaks my heart. Makes you want to grab your child and never let him go.

What steps do you take to prevent your toddlers from getting into appliances and places they shouldn't?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: gear, safety

Comments (33)

shell81

on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:24 PM

This is so sad. I didn't hear about this till now. My heart goes out to that family. I hope they put the boy in counseling later on when he is old enough to know what happened. That will be really hard for him to deal with later.

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Yasmin

on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:26 PM

I have a front loading, it takes a few buttons to turn it on, it is kenmore. AND you cannot just open it, it locks as soon as it starts, you have to cancel it to unlock it.

So, if you want one, just look for one that isn't that simple to start :) This totally sucks!

Pweek

on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:29 PM

This is really sad. I actually have a front loader and it's not that easy to turn on. There is a combination of buttons to push to turn it on. Shoot, I had to have the manual handy for the first couple of weeks to turn the thing on!

I also don't really understand the "Water-filled" part either. There really isn't much water in there, even when htere are clothes in it.

Regardless, it's really sad. I feel for the family.....

kadens_momma_15

on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:37 PM

well the manufacturer sure was dumb to put the controls that close to the floor! but we have one and my son is 15 months old, and he couldn't turn the thing on, be it on purpose or an accident! makes me just wanna grab him up, i can't imagine what the family is going thru

mamakat12

on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:38 PM

before i read this i was like how in the world? i forgot about the front loaders. it brings back flashes of when my ds was small and i seen a thing on Oprah about mini blind cords. simple things we don't think about. all i can say is maybe this report will keep some other child from it happening to them.....

RSMomof4

It is terribly sad. :( bad

sandraberke

on Feb 5, 2009 at 4:43 PM

this makes me cry. there was no need for this to happen no need what so ever. i know i may not be the worlds perfect mom but come on people. i have a almost 3 yr old and i know how tricky they can be. hiding from you and getting out of your sight sometimes. but i have to ask what kinda safety features did she have on the door leading to the laundry room? any..is there even a way to block the children from it? all my door and i do mean all have safety knobs on them just in case my little one tried to get in and out of places she shouldn't be in! including the laundry room even though i have a top loading washing machine b.c i wouldn't want her climbing into the drier on accident. this women must have done laundry before. she would know how high off the ground the push button to start it is. this is just retarded.sorry if i seem mean but this is something i can't stand. children dyeing over parental negligence. even though it was ruled an accident it was one accident that shouldn't of happen.