Just months after announcing they are expecting a new baby this fall, Olympian Bode Miller and wife Morgan lost one of their children. 19-month-old daughter Emeline died from drowning during a pool party.
The family was attending the party at a neighbor’s house when the toddler ended up in the water. Paramedics were called to the scene and performed CPR before rushing her to the hospital. Sadly, the little girl was unable to be resuscitated.
Miller posted a message along with a sweet picture of “Emmy” on Instagram about the tragedy, saying:
“We are beyond devastated. Our baby girl, Emmy, passed away yesterday. Never in a million years did we think we would experience a pain like this. Her love, her light, her spirit will never be forgotten. Our little girl loved life and lived it to it’s fullest everyday. Our family respectfully requests privacy during this painful time.”
Miller and Morgan Beck are parents to 3-year-old son, Nash, and are expecting another child in October. Miller also has two other children from previous relationships. Beck is five months pregnant and went into the water to grab the baby from the pool.
The grieving parents have received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes, including the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team who tweeted their condolences:
“It is with the utmost sadness that we learned today of the passing of @MillerBode‘s daughter Emmy. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and across the whole snowsports world are with Bode, his wife Morgan and their family at this time.”
Miller is a celebrated and decorated Olympic skier who’s won six medals and had over 30 World Cup wins. His wife Morgan is a professional volleyball player, and the couple frequently shares pictures of their family on social media.
The latest photos include those of Beck’s pregnant belly and snaps of baby Emmy. In the wake of this sad event, many other families are recalling their own experiences with accidental drownings. The CDC states that one of five drowning deaths are of children under age 14.
To prevent these accidents, it’s recommended that a barrier is placed in front of pools to keep children out without supervision. Additionally, at least one person present should know CPR.
While this incident is still under investigation, it’s thought that Emeline slipped away from her mother’s sight within seconds. It is unclear how she got in the water or how long she was in it, but some say it could have been a couple of minutes.
CBS Dallas’s coverage of the incident can be seen in the video below. At this time, the family’s midwife has set up a GoFundMe page to request donations for medical bills and funeral expenses. While the public is on the fence about the gesture, no one can dispute that these parents are suffering emotionally.
Did you know about the Millers’ terrible loss? What are your thoughts on this horrible tragedy? Does this make you think about pool safety and CPR training?