BLACKFOOT, Idaho — A dead newborn baby girl was found in an Idaho Safe Haven Baby Box at the Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot on Oct. 13, according to the Twin Falls Police Department.
The baby box sent staff an alarm notifying them that a baby had been placed in the box, and officers said the medical team responded immediately to the alarm.
"The medical team removed the infant from the bassinet within a minute. Upon removal, they quickly realized that the infant had passed away long before being placed in the baby box," a news release stated.
Idaho law only allows unharmed infants to be placed in the boxes. Since the baby was dead, she was not a legal surrender.
"We are heartbroken," said Safe Haven Baby Boxes Founder Monica Kelsey. "Let this be clear: this is an illegal, deadly abandonment. Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and providing all information we possess to local authorities. When the baby was placed in the box, she was wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached."
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes have helped 52 infants since its inception in 2017, according to organizers.
The Twin Falls and Blackfoot police departments are investigating.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and community affected by this loss. The health and safety of our community's children remain our top priority," the Twin Falls Police Department stated.