A two-year-old Michigan girl was found alive and well after a family friend watching the toddler died unexpectedly.
Haleigh Ann, 2, was found on May 10 inside a Kent City, Mich. home with Ron Finkler, 49, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
It’s believed the young girl was caring for herself for at least two days.
Officials say no foul play is suspected in the death of Finkler, however, they are waiting on an autopsy to confirm what happened.
The station also noted Haleigh’s father is currently in jail on drug charges.
Wheelock told WOOD TV Finkler was supposed to bring her daughter to her on May 8 for Mother’s Day but they did not arrive.
“I called and I called and called and my number was blocked in his phone and I didn’t know why,” Wheelock told WOOD TV.
Also, Wheelock’s mother-in-law was able to get in touch with Haleigh so the family assumed everything was OK.
“That was typical of [Haleigh]… to answer Uncle Ron’s phone,” Wheelock told WOOD TV.
Wheelock said she continued to try to reach Finkler with no luck and even tried to go to his home but was unable to get a ride to his residence.
According to Google Maps, it is more than an hour’s car ride from the county Wheelock worked to the area Finkler resides.
After three days, Wheelock called police to check the home.
A friend of Finkler, Tammy VandeWetering, told WOOD TV that she spoke to him on Saturday and he seemed “fine at the time” and wasn’t aware of “any health problems” he may or may not have had.
She also said Haleigh “was his life,” especially since he had no kids of his own.
A neighbour also added the pair was always seen “smiling, laughing, giggling.”
Haleigh was taken to hospital and was treated for dehydration and a possible urinary tract infection.
She was released from hospital the same day and is in the care of her grandmother.
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