Toddler Dies in Fall from Window at La Mesa Military Housing

A 15-month-old child died after falling from a second-story window at a military housing complex in La Mesa, a tragic incident now ruled accidental by the San Diego County Medical Examiner.

The incident occurred on July 5 at a residence located on Valley View Circle. According to officials, the toddler fell from the upper-floor window and was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital, where the child was later pronounced dead. The medical examiner's report confirmed that the cause of death was accidental.

Following the incident, a family friend launched an online fundraiser on behalf of the grieving parents. The post raises concerns about the lack of safety features in the housing unit, particularly the absence of window guards and inspections, which the friend claims could have prevented the fatal fall. The post states that “no parent should ever lose a child because the home they were provided was unsafe,” and adds that military families “should not be left in the dark about the risks in their own living space.”

The property is managed by Liberty Military Housing, a company that oversees military family residences across the country. In response to the allegations, Liberty issued a statement asserting that each home is thoroughly inspected by both its own personnel and Navy representatives before a family moves in. If window-fall-protection devices are found to be malfunctioning, the unit fails inspection and cannot be occupied until repairs are made.

Liberty further noted that homes undergo annual inspections to ensure all systems and safety features function properly. Their staff also receives yearly window-safety training, enabling them to identify and report potential hazards during maintenance calls. The company stated that if any window-opening control devices (WOCDs) or safety stickers are found tampered with or missing, residents are contacted, and safety protocols are reinstated immediately.

Doctors at Rady Children’s Hospital have observed a seasonal increase in window-related falls among young children, particularly during the summer months. Medical professionals recommend that windows be opened no more than 4 inches to reduce the risk of such accidents. The warmer months, when windows are more likely to be open, consistently see a rise in these incidents across the San Diego area.