A Douglasville mother is facing murder charges after her 3-year-old daughter died from exposure to freezing temperatures while they were in the woods. Uriha Ridge, found with her two children in the woods at Fox Hall Resort, is accused of taking drugs and failing to seek help in time to save her daughter's life. Her arrest has sent shockwaves through the Douglas County community.
According to the 11Alive, Ridge and her children spent roughly 12 hours in sub-freezing temperatures, she was discovered with her children on the morning of Jan. 16—both soaked and the youngest, Alina, in critical condition. The night's low was a mere 27 degrees, creating a lethal situation for the toddler, who later passed away at the hospital.
The mother now faces several charges that include felony murder and two counts each of first-degree and second-degree cruelty to children. Deputies believe the combination of cocaine and marijuana may have clouded her judgment, leading to the tragic incident. Ridge is being held without bond at the Douglas County Jail.
Alina's grandparents, Terry and Donya Ridge, opened up about their granddaughter who they described as a bright and fashionable young girl. "She had a beautiful singing voice, and she loved to show off her clothing," Terry Ridge told FOX 5. Despite the tumultuous situation, Donya expressed conflicting emotions about her daughter, "It’s difficult because I still love my daughter, I always will," she said. They've emphasized the importance for families coping with substance abuse to seek all available resources to prevent such tragedies.
The couple's loss has not gone unnoticed, with the community stepping in to support them during this difficult time. Willie Watkins Funeral Home extended a compassionate gesture by providing free services for little Alina. Her funeral was scheduled for the afternoon of February 2nd at Golden Memorial United Methodist Church in Douglasville. "We’re very hopeful with our prayers that Alina’s life and death are not in vain," said Terry Ridge, holding onto the belief that their granddaughter's passing could serve as a somber wakeup call for others battling with addiction.
