South Carolina Toddler Dead In Falling Furniture Accident

WILLIAMSTON, SC — A 22-month-old girl from Calhoun Falls died Sunday after a dresser overturned while she was trying to climb on top, the Anderson County Office of the Coroner said in a news release.

Officers were called to little Ja'Laya Bryant's grandparents' house in Williamston Sunday afternoon to find that she was in cardiac arrest, officials said.

Emergency responders treated Ja'Laya at the home before she was taken to the hospital, where she died later that afternoon, according to officials.

Ja'Layadied of asphyxiation and there is no sign of foul play, the coroner said.

Ja'Laya is the daughter of Jordan Donaldson and Patrick Bryant, both of Calhoun Falls, according to her obituary.

Speaking to ABC News, Ja'Laya's great-aunt Jessica Fleming said that she hopes that by sharing the story of the accident, the family will bring awareness to the importance of securing furniture.

"You really don't think about it till it happens to your family, but tie the dressers down, pin them to the wall," Fleming told the outlet. "Put stuff up where a toddler cannot pull it over on them ... Accidents can happen literally within seconds, especially with curious 22-month-old."

Her obituary describes her as loving to jump, play outside, and be held close by her parents and grandparents.

"She was so gentle; always saying 'awwwwhhhhh' and giving you a big hug," the obituary continued. "Ja’Laya was loved by all who met her and will be greatly missed."