3-Year-Old Autistic Boy Dies at Missouri Daycare After Being Restrained During Nap Time, Family Files Lawsuit

PARK HILLS, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) – A heartbreaking tragedy is unfolding in Missouri, where a 3-year-old nonverbal autistic boy died after allegedly being forcibly restrained during nap time at a local daycare.

The incident occurred on May 16 at Poppy’s Playhouse 2 in Park Hills, about 65 miles south of St. Louis. The child, identified by family as Conrad David Wade Ashcraft, had only been enrolled at the facility for a few weeks.

According to investigators with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), a staff member, Tiffany Hedrick, tried to get Conrad to nap by forcibly holding him down after he became upset. Reports say Hedrick wrapped Conrad tightly in his blanket to pin down his arms, then rolled him onto his stomach, and placed a nearly 20-pound weighted blanket over his body — covering part of his face.

When he continued to move, Hedrick allegedly used her own legs to hold the boy down until he stopped moving, believing he had fallen asleep.

But Conrad had actually suffocated. No staff checked on him afterward. Four hours later, when his mother arrived to pick him up, she discovered her son lifeless under the blankets. According to DESE, Conrad was “stiff, cold, and his leg was purple.”

The state has since revoked the daycare’s license, and Conrad’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility.

Conrad’s aunt, Lacey Hardy, described him as “the sweetest, most beautiful nonverbal autistic 3-year-old.” She added, “He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin who was deeply loved.”

Hardy called the incident “a horrific, negligent, and senseless act that never should have happened,” emphasizing that Conrad was unable to speak up or ask for help due to his condition.

“This was a deliberate, depraved act that caused the death of an innocent child. The pain this has caused our family is unbearable,” she said. “No family should have to go through this.”

Adding complexity to the case, the daycare was owned by Spring Gray, a member of the Park Hills City Council at the time. After Conrad’s death, she resigned from her position. Due to the conflict of interest, the Park Hills Police Department handed the case over to the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office, which is now leading the investigation.

In a public statement, the City of Park Hills said it is “heartbroken by the tragic loss” and extended its condolences to the family.

Sheriff Jeff Crites confirmed that detectives are actively investigating and that more details will be shared as they become available. It’s still unclear what, if any, criminal charges will be filed.

Outside the shuttered daycare, a small memorial with signs, stuffed animals, and flowers has been set up in Conrad’s honor.

“This baby deserves justice,” Hardy said. “We will not let this be swept under the rug. Conrad’s story will be heard.”