Teresa Ortiz

Exodus, Daughter of Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson, Dies of Accidential Strangulation



Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009

by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker

This morning while driving to work, I heard the news that Exodus, Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter, was in the hospital in critical condition and being treated for an accidental strangulation.

To my shame, I said a half-hearted prayer and went on with my day.

Five minutes ago, I was looking through the updates on K-Love's web-site (www.klove.com ) for unrelated information, only to learn that Exodus died at 11:45am today.

Her seven-year-old brother found her on Monday. The cord from the machine was wrapped around her neck. He mother gave her CPR and called 911. By the time the police arrived, she was unconscious and in need of life support.

According to CNN.Com, Sergeant Andy Hill of the Phoenix police was quoted as saying, "This is nothing more than a tragic accident".

May the grace and comfort of God abound toward the Tyson Family during this time of tragedy, may they feel God's loving arms around them and find some solace in the fact that Exodus is in the hands of God.

~~~~

Unfortunately, these kinds of stories are not uncommon and this one serves as a tragic reminder of the need to childproof our homes when young children are present.

According to Larry Stone, founder of Safety Matters - www.safetymatters.com , each year, about 1,000 children under the age of 14 die due to accidental strangulation. Of these, 88 percent of them are under the age of four.

I encourage everyone with small children to visit the Safety Matters web-site for detailed information and tips to have a home 100% childproof.

For starters, do a walk through of your home and check off the following items, making sure these precautions (found at http://pediatrics.about.com/c/ht/01/01/How_Childproof_Home0978663936.htm ) are in place.

1) Consider using a wall anchor for the stove and large pieces of furniture that can tip over.

2) Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up and out of reach.

3) Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone – on speed dial if possible.

4) Use nonskid backing on rugs and make sure carpets are securely tacked down.

5) Use stair gates and window guards.

6) When cooking, use the back burners and turn pot handles inward.

7) Lock rooms that are not childproof.

This is obviously not an all-inclusive list, but it should direct our focus to the safety of all children.

Because my children are grown, my home is no longer child proofed. However, I have a nephew who is 3-years old, and now that I read this story, I am reminded of the need to take precautions and special measures when he is in my home.

Source: www.cnn.com  and sites already noted in the body of this article.

 © Teresa Ortiz

 
Teresa is an author, a speaker, and the Editor-in-Chief for RMS1437 Publishing. She has been married for 26 years and has three grown children. Her greatest joy is leading others closer to Christ through practical study of the word of God. She prefers using the lighter things in life and a good laugh to make her point, but realizes the darker and deeper things of life must also be addressed. For more information on her available books, or speaking engagements, visit www.teresaortiz.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)
» left by Ken McCreless
2 years 359 days ago.
84 fans. Follow Ken McCreless on twitter!
Excellent article, Sis, but I must say something. You have no reason for shame. "To my shame, I said a half-hearted prayer " What were you supposed to do? Don't be so hard on yourself.
» left by Teresa Ortiz 2 years 359 days ago.
188 fans.
THanks, I hope it helps remind all readers of the importance of child proffing our homes.
 
I think I just get frustrated with myself when I know that I could be praying more fervantly.  I don't take responsiblity for what happened, but I do take it as a lesson to always pray with my whole heart, just like I do when I pray for people I actually know.
 
Thanks for the break :-)
 
Blessings!
» left by Susan Thom
2 years 359 days ago.
179 fans.
hi t,
 
this was a good article, and i also heard the news and was saddened at such a tragedy.
 
prayer seems to be the only real solace in times such as this.
 
thanks for writing about it,
 
my best,
 
sue
» left by Teresa Ortiz 2 years 359 days ago.
188 fans.
Hi Sue,
 
thank you for reading and the comment. You are so right. Sometimes prayer is the best and only thing we can offer another person. Stranger or Friend.
 
Blessings to you! t
» left by Lorrie Davids
2 years 359 days ago.
96 fans.
Hey Teresa. How sad for the Tyson family. I have not had to worry about a child-proof home for years, but now with a new grandchild, I have been noticing things I will need to change as he starts to crawl around. Even things like removing the dogs' water bowl. I am thinking of even more things than when my kids were little. Thanks for sharing this information.
» left by Teresa Ortiz 2 years 358 days ago.
188 fans.
I was thinking of you too when I thought about my nephew. I think those of us do not have small children around on a regular basis need this reminder most.
 
This situation had me thinking about the time Brittany was hanging between the rail and the stairs by her neck. By the grace of God she did not fall through!
 
Blessings to you!
» left by jena
2 years 356 days ago.
13 fans.
I heard about this incident. Howeverm I did not know that the child was Mike Tysons daughter. Only 4 years of age.... How tragic! You are so right....we must make our homes safer for our children as well as our elderly. The Tyson family are in my prayers.
» left by Teresa Ortiz 2 years 356 days ago.
188 fans.
Hi Jena, thanks for reading another article of mine, especially since the last one didn't do much for you :-)
 
I appreciate your bringing up the safety for the elderly as well.  My grandmother who is 94, recently slipped on a throw rug in her home.  It is no longer there.  Hey, maybe you could write about this.
 
Thanks for joing in prayer for the Tyson family. This kind of thing happens daily and unfortunately, we only hear about "big names", but it helps bring reminders our way nonetheless.
 
Blessings to you! Teresa
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