The city of Detroit is grappling with a tragedy that unfolded last Monday when two children died, believed to have frozen to death while sleeping in a van in the Hollywood Casino parking garage. According to Detroit Free Press, the Wayne County Medical Examiner is still working to determine the official cause of death for the two young victims, 9-year-old Darnell Currie and his 2-year-old sister, A’millah Currie.
As mourners gathered to honor the lives of the children at the New McFall Brothers Funeral Home, many expressed grief over the circumstances leading to their deaths. As per the Detroit Free Press, Deputy Mayor Melia Howard urged those in need of shelter to reach out to the city's resources, reiterating Detroit's commitment to serving the family during this difficult time. Darnell Jr. and A'millah, "Forever in our hearts," read a banner at the visitation, where community members, like Kim Dewberry, who told Detroit Free Press, came forward to show their support despite not knowing the family personally.
Reports by BridgeDetroit revealed that the children's mother had sought help on several occasions in the months leading up to the heartbreaking event. She contacted the city's homeless response team three times, with the most recent call in November. Still, the city conducted no follow-ups, and family beds were reportedly available at a shelter near the casino on the night of the incident. Detroit Police Capt. Nathan Duda shared that the family was previously evicted and lived with relatives until their situation worsened.
The surviving children are currently in stable condition after being hospitalized, according to Detroit police.
