A woman from Wisconsin faced criminal charges on Monday following the tragic death of her 5-year-old daughter, which authorities attribute to negligence.

On October 22, 2025, officers in Merrill were alerted to a possible drowning incident involving a child in a bathtub. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered Katelyn Nardi’s daughter in an unresponsive state. According to the Merrill Foto News, despite efforts to save her, the young girl was declared dead approximately an hour later.

Nardi’s fiancé recounted that she had been bathing the child but left the bathroom for a brief period to fetch clothing. He reported that upon her return, Nardi found the girl unresponsive. However, police indicated that Nardi’s account of the events contained inconsistencies.

The Merrill Foto News further revealed that Nardi’s daughter suffered from epilepsy, necessitating several medications. Nardi reportedly admitted to officers that her daughter had not received her medication on the day of her death, although she had administered it the previous night.

Contradicting this claim, an autopsy revealed the absence of Levetiracetam, one of the critical medications prescribed to the 5-year-old, suggesting it had not been administered for several days. Experts warn that a sudden halt in anti-epileptic drugs can induce seizures.

Jacob Collinsworth, Lincoln County’s assistant prosecutor, described the bathtub where Nardi’s daughter was found as “urine-filled” and “filthy,” reported by WSAW. Investigators also noted the home’s unsanitary conditions, including piles of dirty laundry, trash, and animal waste.

Nardi was accused of calling social services before 911 after finding her unresponsive daughter.

Prosecutors noted that this is Nardi’s second child to die while in her care. Her 5-month-old daughter died in 2023, WSAW reported.

In the latest case, Nardi is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and child neglect resulting in death. Her bond was set at $150,000. WSAW reported that Nardi’s fiancé has not been criminally charged.

[Feature Photo: Lincoln County police]