Mother of Two Kids Who Froze to Death in Casino Garage Repeatedly Sought Help

Authorities stated that a woman currently grieving had repeatedly sought help before two of her children died from freezing on Monday while they were sleeping in a van at a casino garage in Detroit. 

Having nowhere else to turn, she parked the van on the ninth level of the Michigan Hollywood Casino at Greektown parking structure early Monday, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. The engine of the vehicle allegedly ceased functioning, and the van rapidly grew cold as the children slept. Two of the kids passed away. 

Her family became homeless, and despite numerous calls, local officials did not provide them with a place to sleep. 

Reached Out Three Times for Assistance 

Several months prior to this incident, the 29-year-old woman reached out to Detroit’s homeless response team in November. She reached out to the city’s homeless team twice prior to November. 

However, during her discussions with the team, "no agreement was made on their next steps," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan stated at a press conference on Tuesday. 

In November, the mother mentioned that they were living with relatives, but couldn't continue that way for much longer. 

The crisis team did not check in with the mother and her kids afterward. 

When the mother reached out to different shelters in Detroit, she continually learned that they were at capacity, as stated by Tamara Liberty Smith, a member of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners. 

“For whatever reason, this wasn’t deemed an emergency,” Duggan said.

Two Children Ceased Breathing 

Two children in the van, a nine-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, ceased to breathe after being exposed to the chilly van. 

A family friend took both of them to the Children's Hospital of Michigan. They were declared dead at the hospital. 

The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office will verify the causes of death through autopsies. Detroit police stated that it seems the children died from freezing, based on local news reports. In the early morning hours of Monday, temperatures ranged from the low to mid-teens. 

All three remaining children in the van needed hospital care. They were in stable condition at the beginning of this week. 

Following eviction, the mother, her four kids, their grandmother, and the grandmother's child resided in the van. 

The grandmother is employed at Popeyes, while the mother is set to begin a job related to automobiles this week. 

The mayor noted that a family shelter is situated just a few miles away from the Hollywood Casino. 

Officials from Hollywood Casino did not issue a statement regarding the incident. Authorities were conducting an investigation. 

“They said they were unsheltered and didn’t have a residence to go to,” Detroit Police Capt. Nathan Duda said in a statement about the family. “As a father, I just can’t imagine what the family is feeling. I just wish it wouldn’t have happened.