A 2-year-old boy died during a dental procedure in Greensboro, North Carolina. The death of the toddler, Er’Mias Mitchell, remains a mystery, as his family said he was in good health when he was taken to the dental office. However, complications reportedly arose after the boy was given anaesthesia.
According to reports, Er’Mias was brought to Valleygate Dental Surgery Centre by his parents around 7 a.m. on Thursday for a routine cavity surgery. His father, David Mitchell, said his son had undergone routine checks, including heart rate and weight, and everything appeared normal before he was taken in for the procedure. But shortly after Er’Mias was taken into the room for surgery, something went wrong.
“He was all good this morning; nothing was wrong… They checked his heart, checked his weight, and checked everything. It was all good until they took him back there,” his father said.
The grieving parents claim they were not immediately informed about any complications. Instead, they only realised something was wrong when an ambulance appeared at the facility. By the time they asked to see their son, he had already been rushed to the hospital without them. They say it was not until then that the medical staff revealed his lung had collapsed.
David Mitchell said his son had been vibrant and energetic that morning. The family, who described Er’Mias as their miracle baby and only child, had planned to take him to the movies that weekend to watch “Jurassic World,” a treat for the dinosaur-loving toddler.
The family is now seeking answers. They say they were left in the dark during the most critical moments and are calling for transparency and accountability. Mitchell described his son as “the best child on this planet,” and shared that the boy’s mother is devastated beyond words, having lost what she considered her miracle.
The toddler’s grandmother, Kyra Smith, is also speaking out. She hopes no other family experiences this type of loss and is urging parents to ask more questions and stay informed about procedures involving their children.
The Greensboro Police Department has confirmed that the incident is under investigation. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Dental Board issued a statement expressing condolences and clarifying that the board does not license the facility, as it appears to be an independently accredited surgery centre that uses both medical and dental providers. The board has pledged to investigate whether the sedation or dental treatment played a role in the child’s death.
