The tragic death of Exodus Tyson, the 4-year-old daughter of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, occurred on May 26, 2009, in her central Phoenix home. This heartbreaking event unfolded when Exodus was playing in the playroom and accidentally hanged herself with a cord from the treadmill console.
Incident Overview
Exodus Tyson's untimely death was a result of a tragic accident. While playing on a treadmill, she either slipped or put her head through a loop of the cord dangling from the console, which acted like a noose. This incident occurred in the family's playroom, with no immediate adult supervision present at the moment.
Immediate Response
Discovery and Initial Efforts
Exodus was discovered by her 7-year-old brother, who quickly alerted their mother. Her mother, upon finding her daughter, removed her from the cord and immediately began CPR while calling 911.
Emergency Services
Police and fire department workers arrived shortly after. Despite the resuscitation efforts, Exodus remained unresponsive. She was placed on life support following the accident but tragically passed away at 11:45 a.m. in a Phoenix hospital.
Family Reaction
The devastating loss of Exodus Tyson deeply impacted her family. Mike Tyson, who was in Las Vegas at the time, flew to Phoenix as soon as he was informed of the accident. Arriving at the hospital in a white button-up shirt and black pants, he joined the rest of the family in a state of profound grief. The Tyson family released a statement expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested privacy during this immensely difficult time.
Details about Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson, known for his illustrious career as the youngest boxer to become the heavyweight champion at the age of 20, faced numerous personal and legal issues throughout his life. These included a rape conviction, prison terms for assault and drug possession, and notorious incidents such as biting Evander Holyfield's ear. Following his retirement from professional boxing, Tyson became involved in rehabilitation programs, striving to overcome his past challenges.
Police and Media Involvement
Police Reports and Investigation
Police Sgt. Andy Hill provided vital information regarding the accident and the attempts to revive Exodus. The police concluded that the event was an unintentional accident. While recognized as a "horrible tragedy," no foul play was suspected.
Media Coverage
ABC News affiliate KNXV-TV reported extensively on the incident, including footage of Tyson arriving at the hospital. The tragic event received widespread media attention, highlighting the importance of child safety around household equipment.
Community and Safety Considerations
The death of Exodus Tyson left a significant impact on the local community. With neighbors describing her as a friendly and lively child, this tragedy underscored the importance of childproofing homes and maintaining vigilant parental supervision, particularly around potentially hazardous equipment like treadmills.
Preventative Measures
There are several preventative measures that parents can take to minimize the risk of such incidents. These include childproofing exercise equipment by securing any dangling cords, maintaining constant supervision when children are near potentially dangerous household items, and educating themselves about safety guidelines for home appliances.
The tragic loss of Exodus Tyson stands as a poignant reminder of the need for increased awareness and safety precautions in our homes to protect our children from avoidable accidents.