Toddler Death Ruled Accidental

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — A state medical examiner says the death of a toddler found unconscious in a car seat at a Waterloo day care was accidental.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that Dr. Michele Catellier indicated that 18-month-old Brody Harrelson died of mechanical or positional asphyxia from a car seat strap. The death certificate says a contributing condition may have been myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart wall possibly caused by a viral infection.

No charges have been filed, but Waterloo police Capt. David Mohlis says an investigation report has been sent to prosecutors.

Police say the boy was buckled into the car seat for a nap and was found unresponsive later on June 17. Police say nine other children were in the unregistered day care at the time.

Radio Iowa News