Probe Launched Into 2-Year-Old Child’s Death At New Britain Daycare

NEW BRITAIN, CT — A family is left grieving and state officials are now investigating after a young child died at a local daycare center on Tuesday.

Shamyra Cooke brought her 2-year-old son Saunti to daycare at the YWCA in New Britain Tuesday morning.

Rachel Zaniewski, a spokeswoman for the city, said a 911 call came into the dispatch center at 11:44 a.m. Tuesday reporting a child choking at the YWCA.

Personnel from the New Britain police, fire and emergency medical services all responded to the scene, according to Zaniewski. Emergency personnel attempted to rescue the child, but he later died.

Peter Yazbak, director of communications for the state Department of Children and Families, said Wednesday the agency has received a report on the incident.

“We are conducting a joint investigation alongside (the state Office of Early Childhood) and law enforcement,” Yazbak said.

YWCA officials closed the center on Wednesday because of the tragedy.

Tracey Madden-Hennessey, CEO of the YWCA New Britain, issued the following statement Wednesday:

“On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a beloved child at YWCA New Britain experienced a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital, where they later passed away. YWCA New Britain grieves this immeasurable loss with the parents, family, and loved ones affected. There are no words to fully express the sorrow we feel, and we extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the child’s parents, family, and loved ones. We are holding them close in our hearts during this unimaginably painful time.

YWCA New Britain staff responded immediately and followed all emergency procedures, including administering age-appropriate first aid and calling 911. Emergency services were contacted, and the child’s family was immediately notified and involved throughout the process. The child was then taken via ambulance to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, we learned the devastating news that the child passed away.

At YWCA New Britain, our children and families are at the very heart of all we do. This loss is felt deeply by every member of our staff and community. We are grieving alongside the family and ask the community to join us in surrounding them with love, care, and support.

YWCA New Britain Childcare services will be closed on Wednesday, July 30th. Grief counselors and support resources will be made available to staff and families. We will also make counseling available for children who may need help processing this tragedy.

We are cooperating fully with the New Britain Police Department and other state agencies as they review this incident.

We are all so deeply saddened by this loss, and we ask for privacy and respect for all during this very difficult time for the families and our surrounding community as we mourn together.”

Mayor Erin Stewart posted the following about the tragedy on social media:

“My heart breaks as I write this. As a mother of two young children myself, the very thought of one of them being taken from this earth is paralyzing. I cannot imagine the grief that Shamyra Cooke and her family are experiencing right now as a result of this tragic accident.

While there is no way to alleviate the level of grief that comes with the loss of a child, the City has provided Shamyra and her family with resources at the New Britain Police Department and Community Mental Health Affiliates to help them navigate the days ahead. I am sending my heartfelt prayers for strength to the many, many people impacted by baby Saunti's passing.”

The Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of the child’s death. Results were not immediately available as of Wednesday afternoon.

The child’s family told WTNH they were told the child had been eating meatballs when he started choking, but he would be fine. When they arrived at the daycare, however, they learned the child wasn’t breathing, according to WTNH.

“I need answers,” Shamyra Cooke told media outlets at a press conference posted online by WFSB. “This is too much for one person. My son barely got the chance to live.”