Lifestyle and mom influencer Lindsay Dewey and her family have spent the past two months processing the terrible and sudden loss of the youngest member of their crew, 22-month-old Reed Dewey.
While preparing dinner, Lindsay Dewey thought that young Reed was still playing with magnetic tiles, but he had actually switched his attention to a children's plastic bowl with a suction cup bottom, which any parent can attest offers a much stronger suction than one would expect.
Just ten feet away from his mother, Reed pushed the bowl onto a large, freestanding mirror and pulled it away. One of the times that he did this, the heavy mirror rocked forward and landed on Reed, knocking him unconscious.
In a panic, Lindsay moved the heavy mirror off of her son, and when she saw the suction cup bowl, she realized what must have happened. Lindsay and her husband, Eric, had been certain that the mirror was too large and heavy for any of their kids to move, so while they had planned to secure it, they thought they had time to spare.
Reflecting on the accident, Lindsay claimed that she had always considered herself to be a "protective mom," as she had used child protective locks all throughout her home, among other safety precautions. Even the mirror that had fallen usually had a chair in front of it to deter her children, but the furniture had recently been moved around after the family dog peed on the living room rug next to the kitchen.
Lindsay Dewey confided:
"There were so many details that led up to this being a perfect storm. All in all, just a tragic unexpected accident. That we can never take back."
Reed Dewey was rushed to the emergency room on February 14, 2025, and while she was sitting in the waiting room, eager for updates, Lindsay shared an Instagram post of her son's lion stuffed animal on her lap, asking for prayers.
At the time of arrival, Reed had slipped into a coma, and his pupil response, breathing, and brain function had all declined from the impact of the accident.
Despite the prayers and support surrounding the Dewey family, Reed was declared brain dead just four days later on February 18, 2025. Lindsay shared an announcement of his passing, along with a series of photos.
Lindsay wrote:
"Our precious, joyful, and utterly perfect baby boy did not receive his earthly miracle. We are beyond shattered. But I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for getting to be his mama for 22 months."
"All he knew was love. And all he gave was love. Truly. And those who are close to us, can attest to that."
"We’ve been robbed of watching our wild and fun little boy grow up. It is not fair and he didn’t deserve this. But we have a peace knowing he’s with our Lord & Savior as well as his Uncle Ty."
"Our lives changed in a matter of 10 seconds. And we’re truly still in shock. Please be praying for us and for Reeds siblings as we’re going to have to navigate breaking the news to them soon."
"We love you Reed Michael Dewey. You were the sweetest most fun little man. We will be with you again and I cannot wait to hold you in my arms and kiss those big cheekies and lips. This is every parents worst nightmare. Hug and kiss your babies."
While the Dewey family did not get the miracle they prayed for, they hoped to create miracles in other families' lives just three days later, on February 21, 2025.
"I’ve been telling myself 'If he doesn’t get his miracle, he will become one' and that’s the only thing that’s getting me through. Even though his wasn’t saved, He is saving lives."
"The worst day of our lives became the best day of someone else’s and for that I will forever be grateful for our little hero baby. You’re someone’s miracle, Reed Michael. 5 little kids miracle to be exact."
"I couldn’t stop thinking about the families who got the best call of their life, their answered prayer. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand why our prayer wasn’t answered, but God knows all things. Even though this is not fair on every single level, we’re so proud of you baby."
"All he knew was love and all he gave was love. We were so lucky and blessed to have been given 22 sweet months of being his parents and protectors. The hallways were lined up with family, friends, and nurses, There to honor you."
Amidst grieving with the Dewey family, many were grateful for the change they were making for others.
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Others sent the family well wishes and hoped that fellow families would take caution because of this.
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Though it feels insensitive to talk about this now, this is a terrible and tragic reminder of how important it is to properly child-proof spaces where children and even pets will be present.
Even heavy furniture can be moved or knocked over, and things that are high up can be reached. While the Dewey family did everything they could to bring light to their tragic situation, hopefully other families can make changes to prevent the same from happening again.
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