A South Point family contacted authorities after an 18-month-old child was hospitalized following a reported ingestion of a possible substance.
Deputies responded to the Lawrence Village Apartments after receiving a complaint involving possible child abuse.
The child’s father told deputies he was contacted by family members on July 18, 2026, and informed that his young son had possibly ingested a substance believed to be a mushroom while at the child’s mother’s residence.
The child was initially transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Ironton before being transferred to Cabell Huntington Hospital in West Virginia for additional treatment.
The father told deputies he had spoken with medical staff at St. Mary’s regarding his son’s condition. However, after the child was transferred to Cabell Huntington Hospital, he said he was unable to get additional information and was told the child was not at that facility.
The father requested that a report be completed and asked to speak with Child Protective Services.
Deputies reviewed custody information and confirmed there were no active protection orders between the parents. Court documents showed the child’s mother was the designated residential parent, with the father having supervised parenting time as allowed.
Deputies explained that they could not require a hospital in another state to release medical information but could document the complaint and assist with a referral to child protective services.
Lawrence County Children Services had already been notified by hospital staff and had begun an investigation into the incident.
A Children Services representative spoke with the father and advised that follow-up would occur.
The case remains under review.
Why Parents Should Take Extra Care With Unknown Substances
Child safety experts warn that young children are naturally curious and may put almost anything they find into their mouths.
Potential dangers can include:
- Wild mushrooms and plants
- Medications
- Cleaning products
- Vape products and nicotine items
- Alcohol and cannabis products
- Chemicals stored in garages or sheds
Experts recommend keeping potentially dangerous items locked away, getting down to a child’s level to identify possible hazards, and contacting poison control or emergency services immediately if a child may have ingested an unknown substance.
Quick action can make a major difference when a young child is exposed to something dangerous.