8-Month-Old Michigan Infant Accidentally Overdosed On Fentanyl While In Care of Babysitter, Mother Is Devastated

An eight-month-old Detroit-area baby is dead after an accidental fentanyl overdose. The incident occurred on September 15. J’ream Marie Smith died the following day.

According to FOX 2 News, Physicians found the deadly drug in J’ream’s urine after the Wayne County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy. The news outlet reported that the infant was hooked up to numerous machines in an effort to save her life. She passed away at Children’s Hospital in Detroit.

“Instead of planning our child’s first birthday, we have to plan a funeral for our child,” J’ream’s grieving mom told FOX 2.

On September 21, Jamie Smith spoke exclusively with the news outlet. She alleged that the child’s Dearborn Heights babysitter was responsible for J’ream’s premature death via the overdose. 

“We have been told several different stories from the babysitter herself,” the devastated mother said.

Investigators are still trying to figure out how the infant ingested the dangerous drug.

Her mother expressed that the caregiver was trustworthy and that the medical intervention was useless. 

“Pretty much there was nothing they could do. Her heart wasn’t pumping without the ventilator. She was completely brain dead with no brain activity,” Jamie said. “It’s definitely something that could have been prevented had you kept an eye on her.”

According to the mother, the eight-month-old baby girl had a six-year-old brother who adored her.

​​“I was going to explain to him what happened, and he looked at me and said, ‘Mommy, you know I already know J’ream is dead,’” she said. “It hurt my heart so bad.”

Jarod Hart, police chief of Dearborn Heights, revealed that before charges could be filed, the department needed an autopsy report.

Jamie set up

a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. She described Baby J’ream as “very smart” with the “most beautiful smile.”

“She had the most beautiful smile that would just melt your heart. She was very smart and a fast learner, just learning to stand on her own [at] 8mos…So sadly, instead of planning her first birthday, I’m planning a funeral.”

J’ream’s funeral service was held on Friday in Detroit.