The family of the three-year-old boy, who remembers him as happy, curious, and full of love, is now focused on seeking justice for a life taken far too soon.

A community in Park Hills, Missouri, is mourning the tragic loss of Conrad David Wade Ashcraft, who died while in the care of a local daycare. Hundreds gathered to say their final goodbyes as questions continue to swirl around the circumstances of his death.

Ashcraft had been attending Poppy’s Playhouse 2, a daycare facility that has now lost its license. According to a letter from Missouri’s Office of Childhood, the boy was isolated in a hallway during naptime for crying and whining.

A caregiver reportedly wrapped his arms tightly in a blanket, placed her legs over his lower body, and covered him with an 18.2-pound weighted blanket.

According to a redacted lawsuit, Tara Williams, Ashcraft’s mother, claims her son “suffered a fatal injury” while at Poppy’s Playhouse 2 on May 16. The suit alleges that a daycare employee used their legs to apply pressure to Ashcraft’s chest or abdomen while he was lying down, supposedly to get him to sleep.

No staff member checked on Ashcraft, and he was only found unresponsive when his mother arrived to pick him up later that day. “He was killed and remained laying on the floor for hours without any effort to determine his wellbeing,” reads Williams’ lawsuit. Despite the grave nature of the situation, no charges have been filed as of now.

The lawsuit also claims the daycare failed to properly train or supervise its staff and approved the use of physical pressure or weighted devices to calm children. As a result, she alleges the facility did not recognize when Ashcraft was in distress or had already suffocated, and he was left on the floor for hours without anyone checking on him.

Additionally, Ashcraft’s aunt, Lacey Hardie, described the situation as a “nightmare,” especially knowing that her nephew, who was autistic, had limited speech and couldn’t express if he was in pain.

She shared that he had only recently learned to say, “I love you.” Hardie said the family was told nap time began around 12:30 p.m., and his mother arrived at the daycare around 4:15 p.m. expecting to pick up her son. She was told he was still napping, only to discover him unresponsive, lying face down on a pillow.

When contacted, staff at Poppy’s Playhouse said the owner would not comment until the investigation concludes. A Google listing for the establishment shows the daycare has been temporarily closed.

The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement promising a thorough and transparent investigation, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the truth.

The investigation took a new turn when it was revealed that the daycare’s owner, Spring Gray, had previously worked for the St. Francois County Prosecutor’s Office under three administrations. Due to this connection, the office recused itself from the case. Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski has stepped in as the special prosecutor.

Adding to the controversy, the daycare owner, who was also a sitting city councilwoman in Park Hills, has since resigned from her position. The City of Park Hills issued a statement, saying, “Her resignation helps ensure the investigation proceeds without conflict. The City respects her decision and will follow standard procedures to fill the Ward 2 vacancy.”

Currently, an autopsy has been performed, but an official cause of death has yet to be released. Efforts to reach the county coroner for updates have so far been unsuccessful.

In interviews conducted by the Office of Childhood, the daycare owner claimed it was standard for staff to cuddle children who struggled to fall asleep, though she couldn’t confirm if the use of body weight was common. She also noted that Ashcraft had diarrhea earlier that day and appeared unusually tired at lunch.

Ultimately, the Office of Childhood identified five violations at the facility, concluding that its actions posed an immediate risk of bodily harm to children in its care.

Now, Ashcraft’s story has reached beyond Park Hills, sparking national attention and renewed conversations about daycare safety. His eulogy describes him as a joyful and vibrant little boy who found delight in the simplest pleasures.

Born on July 29, 2021, in Farmington, Missouri, to Joshua Ashcraft and Williams, Ashcraft filled his days with laughter, love, and curiosity. He adored swimming, and his favorite things included “Toy Story,” “Ms. Rachel,” “Cocomelon,” and the “Cars” movie.

Pizza was his go-to snack, and nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his parents and extended family. Ashcraft died on May 16, 2025, at just 3 years, 9 months, and 17 days old, leaving behind a community of loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Peggy Kramer and Terry Cole, his aunts Wendy Noll and Brittany Nesser, and his uncle Davey Noll.

Those mourning his loss include his parents, his brothers Dayton Hall and Jasper Hampton, grandparents Susan and Torry Ashley, Billy Ashcraft, Leasha Williams, and David and Heather Noll, as well as great-grandparents Patsy and Clyde Cantrell.

He is also survived by a close-knit extended family, including aunts Lacey Hardie, Crystal Dennis, Billie Jean, and Amber Ashley, and uncles Alex Ashcraft, John Dennis, Justin Ashley, and Cody Hardie. Many cousins, friends, and relatives continue to hold him close in their hearts.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organized by Rhonda Matzker and Danielle Love to support Ashcraft’s family. The organizers noted that they are not related to the family but wanted to do their part to help during this difficult time.

All proceeds are being directed to a fund set up at First State Community Bank. As of the time of publication, the fundraiser had collected $2,235 of its $3,000 goal.

On May 23, Ashcraft was laid to rest, surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from the community. In the hours leading up to the funeral, hundreds gathered at the funeral home, many arriving early to pay their respects.

Around town, cars were marked with messages reading “Justice for Conrad,” while blue balloons and banners were displayed in tribute and to raise awareness for autism, a cause close to the family’s heart.

Locals also rallied behind a fundraiser centered around a special donut. Hurt’s Donuts, which had already planned to support a senior center, created a limited-edition donut to honor Ashcraft, with proceeds going to his family. The donut quickly drew crowds, with people lining up for hours to purchase it.

Those who knew Ashcraft spoke fondly of him, remembering the joy he brought to their lives. Family friend Justin Williams, who has a child with autism, shared that his family often spent time with the little boy. “That smile always lit up a room. He did what he wanted, and the world was his oyster,” Williams said.

Even those who never met him were moved to attend. Seth Martin traveled 30 miles to be at the service. “I believe that’s what draws us together, the innocence of a child being taken away at such a young age,” he shared. Though Ashcraft’s life ended far too soon, the love and unity his story inspired will live on.