The Tyson Tragedy

   By drodriguez  Jun 03, 2009
37

We were all deeply saddened recently to hear the reports of Exodus Tyson, Mike Tyson’s 4-year-old daughter’s, accidental death.  It has been confirmed that Exodus Tyson died after getting a treadmill cord wrapped around her neck.  Since the news hit many people have begun to question the safety of having exercise equipment in homes with children. 

A recent article from the New York Times reported that somewhere around 25,000 children pay a visit to the emergency room every year due to an injury related to home exercise equipment.  Many of the injuries reported are severe burns caused by children touching underneath the track of a treadmill in motion. 

Australian hospitals have seen so many children coming in with burns from treadmills that their government has launched a campaign called “Treadmills and Kids Don’t Mix”.  As a new safety measure, all new treadmills in Australia will come with a large sticker warning parents of the dangers it may pose to small children.  But is a sticker enough?

The New York Times article advises that parents should keep exercise equipment in the locked position and unplugged.  The equipment should be set up in a way so that a parent can see where the children are from every angle.  A couple of mirrors positioned in the right way may be a good option in order to get a clear view of children approaching. 

Do you think Exodus Tyson’s death was just a freak accident or something that should be explored further?

What do you think can be done to keep kids safe around exercise equipment?
 

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Alyssarae92293 by Alyssarae92293 | BOYNTON BEACH, FL
Oct 14, 2009

THIS STORY BREAKS MY HEART

tsoko22 by tsoko22 | GREENFILD TWP, PA
Aug 26, 2009

This is so sad:0( The thing is ther are many things in the home that are safe and a tragedy like this could happen to anyone at anytime with many things within our homes.

fpeters by fpeters | brooklyn, NY
Aug 18, 2009

the best advice is to not have children around them but at times when you do, be extremely cautious and protective. this was such devastating news to hear, my condolences to the Tyson family!

ruralmom by ruralmom | Chateaugay, NY
Jul 22, 2009

As a safety conscious mom, my rule is that kids should not be around whenever anything with a motor is running. Fingers, clothing and even arms and legs can be pulled into moving parts so quickly. When I use my treadmill, I keep my kids in the next room where I can see them, but blocked off from all moving parts by a safety gate. We have to use common sense to keep our kids safe. Watch our kids, watch for dangers to prevent accidents, and stop leaving their safety to chance. A 4 yr old can not predict what things may injure or kill them, but many times parents can. Parents need to pay more attention. Our kids need to be top priority. I am sick of lazy parents leaving young children alone to take care of themselves. Wake up people!

momismyname by momismyname | enid, OK
Jul 08, 2009

This is a horrible accident. You do have to watch your children, but sometimes freaky things happen. Maybe the fact that this did make the news will make parents stop and think and make their houses safer for their children. I know I got rid of all my miniblinds when my son was born because of all the deaths they caused. Hopefully, this tragedy will bring some awareness and save other children's lives.

xlessliex by xlessliex | Fall River, MA
Jun 22, 2009

Lord Bless This Family. It is definitly a tragedy and they have to now live with the "what ifs" This needs to be an eye opener for those with little ones and realize that es they do need someone in any room with them all the time why because at any moment ( even when you are right there) Tragedy can strike. God Bless the Tysons May God be with you and Exodus in your arms. You all are in our hearts.

xlessliex by xlessliex | Fall River, MA
Jun 22, 2009

It is really such a tragedy here. I Bless this poor family and believe this is not something the mother needs to be investigated upon any further. I do believe this should definitley be an eye opener to those who do have small children at home or anywhere that they do need to have an eye on them at least at all times and even then tragedy can still occur. This poor woman is going through enough just knowing she could have prevented this by just keeping the child away from the tread mill and letting her know the dangers of it and defintley tieing up the cord, but i do not believe this was done on any intent at all,. My prayers are for this Family

mmb2153 by mmb2153 | Newark, NJ
Jun 18, 2009

It's easy to overlook the dangers that could come from something as simple as playing with a treadmill. I think it is best to take an approach preparing for anything. Just as gyms do not allow young children in, or at least require parental supervision at all times, the idea should be applied in homes where workout equipment is kept.

Morkoor by Morkoor | Mount Laurel, NJ
Jun 16, 2009

Unfortunately, home accidents that end in tragedy are very common. Unfortunately, in the world we live in today everyone is looking for a news story. These people must be suffering and will suffer the rest of their lives. I am so sorry for them. We need to educate the masses thru public announcements and education. The only thing society and parents can do is lock up the equipment just like we lock up food processors, knives, plug up electrical outlets, shorten shade cords, etc. We need to keep parents aware of the dangers of many things. It is not only the responsibilty of the manufacturers. Sometimes people think these things only happen to other people. This could have happened to anyone. I'm very sorry for their loss.

bbred57 by bbred57 | Springfield, MN
Jun 14, 2009

I agree with Elmosgirl2005 that these parents have enough guilt to last a lifetime that they do not need everyone else in the world blaming them for their dear daughter's death. I know as a parent myself, I didn't have an eye on my son every second, every minute of every day and accidents do happen. Thank god they didn't for my son, but there were times they could have. Children will naturally do things and follow their inquisitive nature's and that can be harmful and even fatal to them. Unfortunately, this little girl found the treadmill to be a great playground and it was not a safe place for a child to be. I send my prayers to Mike and his wife because they are going to need them to get through the this loss of their precious little girl.

Elmosgirl2005 by Elmosgirl2005 | Georgetown, KY
Jun 13, 2009

It does cause concern for children, It's a horrible tradgedy. Although many say it could've easily been avoided by the proper "secruity". But for those with children you know yourselves if a child wants something they have no problem going to extremes to get it. Children aren't dumb they can figure out how to unlock the door, how to climb the security gate, they can easily turn into monkeys to get the cookie jar off the counter and into their hands. Not everything thing can be fully prevented. But like many wise men and woman have said, " It never hurts to try". I don't believe in a situation as heart breaking and innocent as this one it's really not fair to basically, call the parents murders. This could've happened to anyone, and if it were me I'd blame myself but it would be easier to deal with the pain if the whole world were'nt blaming me also.

mistytwh by mistytwh | cleveland, GA
Jun 13, 2009

A child of any age can and may get into some kind of trouble, I feel it is up to us as parents to guide them and watch them, even if they do not like it.

RHibbard by RHibbard | Indian Trail, NC
Jun 13, 2009

I have to agree that the treadmill isn't necessarily what's to blame here; it's all about supervision! Children like to play with stuff and will put it around their necks, whether they're pretending it's a glamorous scarf or a dangerous snake. Small children have to be watched at all times! Even if you work at home, if your focus has to be on your work, hire a nanny! It can make all the difference!

woogoo by woogoo | louisville, KY
Jun 12, 2009

My heart truly goes out to the Tyson family. This is a most unfortunate accident. Hopefully others will learn from this accident. Please keep a more watchful eye on your children. Life is truly precious.

WINDI_H by WINDI_H | NEW HOPE, AL
Jun 12, 2009

In good faith I believe this to be an accident. I do think that she should not of had access to the equipment at all.