2-year-old dies after escalator fall in Colorado mall

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado authorities are investigating a toddler’s death after the 2-year-old fell from an escalator at the Town Center in Aurora on Sunday.

Aurora Police Department spokesperson Agent Matthew Longshore confirmed in a statement to KCNC-TV that the child, who was rushed to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, died early Monday.

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“This Monday is especially difficult. The 2-year-old who fell yesterday has died from their injuries early this morning,” Longshore stated.

According to police, the child’s father was carrying him when the boy slipped from his grasp at around 4:30 p.m., KKTV reported.

“I was in one of the shoe stores, and I heard a lot of screaming. I heard a lady screaming. Then, out of nowhere, the shop owner ran outside. He was on the phone. I heard him saying that something happened, and he couldn’t close the store because he had guests. And then he looked at me, he told me what happened, that a little kid fell off the escalator,” witness Cesar Solorzano told KCNC-TV.

Although the preliminary investigation indicates the toddler’s death was accidental, police said the incident remains under investigation, KKTV reported.

“All incidents where a child of this age is seriously injured or killed are thoroughly investigated by our Crimes Against Children Unit,” Longshore told KCNC-TV.

“The investigation remains open and active. We are asking anyone that may have witnessed this, that have not yet spoken to the police, to please reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers so that we may follow up with them,” he added.

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