A heartbreaking discovery has sent ripples through the University of Tampa community. A dead newborn was discovered, wrapped in a towel, and placed in a garbage bin near McKay Hall, a residence hall for first-year students. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, April 28, 2024 around 7 p.m.
According to the Tampa Police Department, upon discovery of the baby, an immediate investigation was launched, which led to the identification and hospitalization of the child’s mother, a student at the university.
Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police expressed profound sadness over the incident, emphasizing the tragedy of such a young loss of life. He highlighted that the department is fully engaged in unraveling the circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching event.
Chief Bercaw took this opportunity to remind the community of Florida’s Safe Haven Law. This statute allows parents to anonymously surrender a newborn up to seven days old at designated safe locations like hospitals, fire stations, and EMS stations without facing criminal charges, provided the child shows no signs of abuse or neglect.
The law aims to provide desperate parents with a secure alternative to abandonment. Nick Silverio, founder of A Safe Haven for Newborns, echoed this sentiment, stressing the critical need for increased awareness about the support available to struggling parents. He outlined his organization’s comprehensive services, including confidential counseling, shelter referrals, and even transportation to medical appointments, all aimed at supporting new mothers in distress.
In 2021, the National Safe Haven Alliance reported that 73 babies were saved through Safe Haven laws, which allow parents to surrender newborns safely and anonymously at designated locations. Unfortunately, 31 infants were found abandoned in unsafe conditions that same year, with 22 of these infants found deceased.
It’s important to note that these numbers only represent reported cases and might be higher due to unreported incidents or discoveries.
The University of Tampa, known for its vibrant student life and academic vigor, is now grappling with this tragedy, striving to support its students during this difficult time. The university has been proactive in cooperating with the Tampa Police Department to ensure a thorough investigation and provide necessary support to the student community.
As the investigation continues, the broader Tampa community is reminded of the resources available to prevent such tragedies. For those in need, reaching out for help can offer a new beginning for the mother and the child. Though deeply saddening, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of community awareness and support in preventing future tragedies.
