A Georgia family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 4-year-old Jayde Zendaya Wooten, who died on September 19 after she was found inside a large trash can filled with water at a home in Macon.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Macon-Bibb County firefighters responded to a home in the 1200 block of Rocky Creek Road shortly before 2 p.m. on September 19 following a medical emergency. Jayde was later pronounced dead at a local medical facility.
According to an incident report reviewed by WGXA, Jayde’s father told a deputy that he had arrived at the home and realized his daughter was not in her room. He searched throughout the house and outside, even asking neighbors whether they had seen the little girl.
The report states that the child’s mother eventually screamed, prompting Jayde’s father to return inside. He reportedly discovered Jayde upside down inside a large garbage can filled with water and fish in a bathroom. He immediately removed her from the container and carried her outside to seek help.
Neighbors also rushed to help. According to the incident report, two neighbors took turns performing CPR on Jayde while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. One neighbor told deputies that the child briefly opened her eyes during the lifesaving efforts, while another later reported that she could no longer detect a pulse.
Emergency personnel eventually transported Jayde to a local medical facility, where she was pronounced dead.
Jayde’s death has deeply affected the local community. The Jones County School System confirmed that Jayde was one of its pre-kindergarten students and shared condolences with her family, classmates and everyone who loved her. Her school community also encouraged students and staff to wear blue in her memory, with the family choosing the color because it was Jayde’s favorite.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has also been established to help Jayde’s parents with funeral expenses and other costs as they cope with the loss of their daughter. The family described the incident as a horrible accident and asked for support and prayers during this devastating time.
The circumstances surrounding Jayde’s death remain under investigation. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated that anyone has been charged in connection with her death, and an official spokesperson for the Macon-Bibb County Coroner’s Office told PEOPLE that autopsy results were still pending as of September 24.
Jayde Zendaya Wooten was just four years old.
The Y’all Know What family extends heartfelt condolences to Jayde’s parents, family, classmates, teachers, friends and everyone who loved this little girl. May they find strength and comfort as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Rest in peace, Jayde Zendaya Wooten.
