An infant, nearly a month old, died at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, after an incident involving a nurse who inadvertently pulled the baby from her crib while walking away with monitoring equipment cords in her pocket, as reported by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Ellieana Jewel Peyton was born on March 4, 2025, to parents Tyler Peyton and Mackenzie Marshall of Zanesville, Ohio. She was diagnosed with congenital dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting the left side of her heart. Despite this, Ellieana was progressing well in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit and was expected to be discharged on March 28, 2025.
The incident took place on March 26, 2025, while Ellieana’s parents had gone home to shower. According to a GoFundMe page set up by family friend Stella Dunlap, the parents were informed via phone that their baby had been dropped. The page explained that the nurse had inadvertently dragged the infant from her NICU crib by keeping the monitor cords in her pocket.
As a result, Ellieana sustained a fractured skull and brain bleeding. She remained hospitalized for five more days until her death on March 31, 2025.
An autopsy report released on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office concluded that Ellieana’s death was due to a congenital heart defect compounded by blunt force head injuries. The coroner ruled the death accidental, noting the injuries were consistent with a fall from a crib.
Mackenzie Peyton expressed to reporters that her family has both good and bad days, but the pain of losing their daughter remains.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing patient privacy policies, and stated that they cannot provide details about individual patients.
According to the hospital’s NICU guidelines, parents are allowed 24-hour access to their infants, and healthcare teams follow stringent safety protocols. These guidelines stress hand hygiene, limit personal items in patient areas, and prevent electronic interference with medical apparatus.
Ellieana had been achieving developmental milestones during her NICU stay, despite her heart condition. Her cardiomyopathy required ongoing observation but was not deemed immediately life-threatening at the time of the incident.
Family members described Ellieana as having a bright smile and striking brown eyes. Her obituary noted she was especially alert and responsive to her parents’ voices, often searching for them when nearby. She felt most comfortable in the arms of her family.
Funeral services were held on April 5, 2025, at First Church of God in Zanesville, Ohio, with Pastor Nehemiah Gaiters officiating. Calling hours took place before the 1 p.m. service, followed by cremation. DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home managed the arrangements.
The GoFundMe fundraiser was set up to assist the family with medical expenses and time off work, emphasizing the parents’ fear of leaving their daughter’s side after the incident.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital houses a Level IV NICU, offering the highest level of neonatal intensive care for critically ill newborns with complex medical issues. The facility is staffed by specialized medical professionals who provide continuous monitoring and care.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office’s investigation concluded that the incident was accidental and not due to negligence or intentional harm. The official findings closed the case, while the family continues to mourn their loss.
