More details on tragic loss of Ahjzanae Triplett | Toledo, Ohio child accident lawyers

More details have emerged regarding the tragic accident that claimed the life of 11-year-old Ahjzanae Triplett, a girl whose friends and family call helpful and good-spirited.

Ahjzanae was collecting rocks outside her apartment with her younger brother and another child when she became trapped between the enclosed parking lot's mechanical gate and its control box. She died of compressive asphyxia because she was wedged into such a tight space, according to a Lucas County deputy coroner.

There is still no indication of how or why the gate was activated or how she got stuck.

Wallick-Hendy Properties, the company that manages the apartment complex where the accident occurred, says this was the first accident involving an electric gate at one of its properties.

According to a quote from city Law Director Adam Loukx in the Toledo Blade, the city of Toledo has no liability in this accident because "the city does not own, control or operate the building."

That same Toledo Blade article states that two girls in the United Kingdom were recently killed in similar accidents. Karolina Golabek, 5, and Semelia Campbell, 6, both lost their lives after becoming stuck in automatic gates.

Our Toledo, Ohio child accident lawyers want to stress that there are important steps that the family must take after this tragic accident. First and foremost, a thorough investigation of the accident scene and all witnesses present must be conducted. The easiest way to accomplish this is to hire an attorney and allow them to use the experts and private investigators they consult on a daily basis to find the truth.

When a wrongful death occurs, the family always wants answers as to what happened and why. In order for them to go on with their lives, an investigation must be done. Using expert witnesses and private investigators will help find answers and will provide the family with the closure they need.

An attorney can also help the family navigate the confusing sea of paperwork, probate, and investigations that follow tragic accidents like these. Dealing with the logistics of a wrongful death case is nearly impossible when you are mourning the loss of a loved one. 

Donations for Ahjzanae's memorial service are being accepted at Key Bank branches.