A toy kitchen play set involved in the suffocation death of a three-year-old girl is still being sold online, Boynton Beach Police warned. The girl, Briella Holmes, died on July 27 after becoming trapped in the toy at a babysitter's home in Meadows of Boynton Beach, Florida, on July 23.
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner determined Briella's death was an accident caused by probable positional asphyxia. Police shared an image of the playset, which they said was purchased via Facebook Marketplace. The set has no identifying markings for brand, make, or model, but similar "Country Living Kitchen replica sets" are advertised online for around $100.
The wooden play set features a small cupboard, a pretend stovetop, and taps beside a sink opening. It is decorated with painted flowers, pots, pans, logs, and rooster-patterned tiles.
Briella was in the living room with her older brother when the incident occurred. According to police, the children were being supervised by a nanny who had left them in the care of her spouse. The spouse was upstairs, periodically checking on the children and providing snacks. The spouse discovered Briella with her head stuck in the play set when coming downstairs to check on them. The sibling reportedly told authorities that Briella had gotten stuck while trying to retrieve toys that had fallen into the play set.
First responders arrived at the scene after a caller reported the child was unresponsive and not breathing. Emergency services transported Briella to a local hospital in critical condition, where she passed away four days later.
Briella's parents, Suzi and Jason Holmes, described her as "pure joy in a tiny, stubborn, independent little package." They remembered her as a child who "lit up a room without even trying" and adored her older brother, Brock. The family has initiated a fundraiser to cover funeral and memorial expenses.
Kathy Wall, president of Safe Kids Palm Beach County, urged parents and caregivers to maintain active supervision of children, emphasizing their importance as the future. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident as police continue their investigation.