4-Year-Old Girl Dies After Choking on Hot Dog at Local Costco Store
KENNEWICK, Wash. – A tragic incident occurred at a Costco store in Kennewick on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old girl. The young girl, who was only days away from her fifth birthday, choked on what appeared to be a hot dog, leading to her untimely demise.
Multiple witnesses present at the store witnessed the choking incident, as confirmed by Benton County Coroner Bill Leach. The strong presence of witnesses eliminated the need for an autopsy. The emergency personnel at the scene promptly removed a “food bowl” related to the incident.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the Costco store, with the Kennewick Fire Department responding to the distress call. However, they have not released any comment or official report regarding the incident thus far. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
NonStop Local, a local media outlet, reached out to the Costco store for a statement regarding the incident, but they were met with silence. A spokesperson for Costco Wholesale was also unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
Following the tragic occurrence, the store decided to close its doors on Sunday. However, Costco resumed its normal business hours on Monday, serving customers like any other ordinary day.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of young children, especially in public places. The community mourns the loss of the 4-year-old girl, and our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.