NEED TO KNOW
A toddler has died after experiencing complications during a dental surgery in North Carolina
Er’mias Mitchell was allegedly transported to a local hospital without his parents present, and died before they could reach him
The North Carolina Dental Board has said it will “fully investigate” the incident, which they said occurred at the “independently accredited surgery center”
A 2-year-old boy has died after experiencing complications during a dental surgery.
Er’mias Mitchell went into the surgery at Valleygate Dental Surgery Center in Greensboro, N.C., on the morning of Thursday, July 17, according to NBC affiliates WRAL and CBS affiliate WBTV.
“He was all good this morning, nothing was wrong,” David Mitchell, Er’mias’s dad, told WRAL.
A short time after he went into surgery, nurses allegedly came out and told his parents that the child’s lung had collapsed.
The parents learned about their son’s condition as he was already being transported to the hospital, Spectrum News 1 reported.
“His family couldn’t even be by his side when he needed us there,” David told the outlet.
Gofundme
Er’mias Mitchell, who died after experiencing complications from a dental surgery
Er’mias had allegedly died by the time his family reached the hospital. His parents still have many questions about what happened, and David has accused the surgery center of not giving his family “proper treatment.”
“You can’t get life back, once it’s gone. You can’t. That was our last time. Our last time seeing him was us giving him off to them,” David told Spectrum News 1. “He went into that room and then us seeing him in the hospital on the bed, dead.”
David described Er’mias to WXII as a happy and healthy child who loved dinosaurs. He was also described in a GoFundMe campaign as “a joyful, loving child—full of life, laughter, and endless curiosity.”
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Constance McCrae, who organized the online fundraiser, said Er’mias was David and Sharde Sherrill’s only child.
David described his son to WXII as “the best child on this planet.” He also said Er’mias was his mom’s “miracle baby.”
According to Spectrum News 1, Er’mias’ mom was previously told she couldn’t have children and experienced complications during her pregnancy.
“It’s like a life is stolen from her, and we don’t know what to do,” David said, per WRAL.
Gofundme
Er’mias Mitchell, who died after experiencing complications during a dental surgery
Er’mias’ family is now awaiting results from the child’s autopsy, according to Spectrum News 1.
In a statement, the Valleygate Dental Surgery Center said that complications during oral surgeries are rare but can occur unexpectedly.
“Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” the statement said, according to WRAL. “The health and well-being of every patient is our highest priority.”
They continued, “Our staff includes an array of highly experienced and board-certified physician anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurses. Our professionals are dedicated to providing a caring, nurturing environment where comfort, dental health, and safety are of primary importance.”
Valleygate Dental Surgery Center did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Additionally, the North Carolina Dental Board said in a separate statement that it will “fully investigate the circumstances surrounding” Er’mias’ death.
“First, the Dental Board joins with all who mourn the death of Er’Mias Mitchell and, though strangers to his family, we are deeply saddened by this tragic news,” the board said, according to WXII.
They also noted that Valleygate Dental Surgery Center “is an independently accredited surgery center utilizing the services of both medical and dental professionals and is not licensed, certified, or accredited by the NC Dental Board.”
“Early indications are that the Dental Board’s investigation will focus on whether this death occurred as a result of sedation administered by a medical provider (over which the Dental Board has no jurisdiction) or was the result of improper dental treatment which, of course, is within our jurisdiction,” the board concluded.
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