Background: News footage of the Creative Beginnings day care center in Lenoir, N.C. (WBTV). Inset (left): Maddy, the 16-month-old who died on her first day at Creative Beginnings (GoFundMe). Inset (right): Alexandra Coffey (Caldwell County Detention Center).
The tragic story of a toddler’s death in North Carolina has taken a new turn as the family seeks justice through legal action. Maddy Mitchell’s parents have filed a lawsuit against Alexandra Coffey, a day care worker charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case.
The incident unfolded on May 19, 2025, at Creative Beginnings in Lenoir, North Carolina, during Maddy’s first day at the facility. The 16-month-old never returned home, and the devastating events have led to Coffey’s arrest. The lawsuit accuses her of gross negligence, detailing a harrowing account of how she allegedly treated the little girl.
According to the lawsuit, Coffey attempted to force Maddy to nap by placing her face down on a sleeping mat. When Maddy resisted, Coffey reportedly “grabbed” her and forced her back onto the mat, covering her head with a blanket. The allegations further state that Coffey held Maddy’s legs down with her own and laid her upper body across Maddy’s torso and neck.
The lawsuit describes a chilling scene where Maddy’s struggle ended as her free leg stopped moving, all while Coffey allegedly remained distracted, scrolling through her phone. Despite the toddler’s stillness, Coffey purportedly left her unattended for three hours.
It was only after this lengthy period that Coffey checked on Maddy, only to find her lifeless and in the early stages of rigor mortis. The arrival of first responders could not alter the outcome, as Maddy was already beyond help.
The child’s death has been officially ruled a homicide, identified as resulting from smothering due to compression asphyxia. The lawsuit stands as a poignant cry for accountability and a somber reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to those caring for children.
Maddy’s parents are seeking a jury trial to determine compensatory and punitive damages. Coffey’s legal team has not yet responded to the filing in court.
Coffey’s involuntary manslaughter case is ongoing; she bonded out of the Caldwell County Detention Center not long after her arrest. Her next court appearance for her criminal trial has not yet been scheduled.
Local NBC affiliate WCNC reported that Creative Beginnings was shut down after the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services suspended the facility’s license.
