2-Year-Old Boy Dies Following Procedure at Valleygate Dental Surgery Center — Details

He brought his favorite T-Rex with him and wore his usual bright smile, but what was supposed to be a simple dental visit turned into a day the Mitchell family will never forget.

A Salisbury family is seeking answers after their 2-year-old son, Er'mias Mitchell, died following a dental procedure at Valleygate Dental Surgery Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

According to the family, Er'mias experienced complications shortly after receiving anesthesia at the facility. Nurses reportedly informed his parents that his lung had collapsed just after 7 a.m. on Thursday.

"He was all good this morning, nothing was wrong. They checked his heartbeat, checked his weight, checked everything. It was all good until they took him back into the room," said his father, David Mitchell.

The procedure was meant to address some cavities. David said his son was a healthy, joyful child who loved dinosaurs and even brought a T-Rex toy with him to the dental center that day. "He always loved to play around. He loved T-Rexes," David said. "He even went to his dental surgery center with his T-Rex as well."

The family said what followed left them shocked and devastated. They said they were not allowed to ride with Er'mias in the ambulance and were not informed that he had already been transported. "We was like, 'So where's our son?' He was already gone in the ambulance, and we was like, 'Why didn't y'all tell us?' [sic]," David said.

He added, "He went into that room and then us seeing him in the hospital on the bed, dead [sic]," after stating that he had no idea his son was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and "a stranger" rode the ambulance with the little boy.

Er'mias's death has left his parents and extended family grieving deeply. David, an active-duty military service member, described his only child as "the best child on this planet [...] This boy here is blessed, and he was too smart, like way too smart." He made this remark while holding a picture of his son against his chest.

He also spoke of the immense pain felt by the boy's mother, Sharde Sherill, a full-time stay-at-home parent. "This being her miracle baby, just, it's like a life is stolen from her, and we don't know what to do now," he disclosed.

Er'mias's grandmother, Kyra Smith, also said she is determined to raise awareness so that no other family has to suffer a similar loss. With a sorrowful voice and tears in her eyes, she said:

"My heart is broke [sic]. Like, there's no coming back from this. Never would I thought that I'd only have two years with my baby. It's traumatizing, so I just want families to be aware. I want to bring awareness. I don't want to let his name go in vain. I want them to say his name — Er'Mias Lewis Mitchell."

In response to the incident, Valleygate Dental Surgery Center reportedly expressed condolences and acknowledged that complications can occur during surgery, even under carefully monitored conditions. Their statement further noted:

"The health and well-being of every patient is our highest priority. Our staff includes an array of highly experienced and board-certified physician anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurses. Our professionals are dedicated to providing a caring, nurturing environment where comfort, dental health, and safety are of primary importance."

Valleygate provided a statement to Spectrum News1, "We remain focused on safety, transparency and the trust our patients place in us. While we cannot comment on specifics at this time, we will provide updates as appropriate, and in a manner respectful to the privacy of our patient's family."

Also, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reportedly issued a statement, "The passing of this child is tragic, and our hearts break for everyone impacted by his death." They emphasized that they cannot share further details as the investigation into the case is ongoing.

The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners reportedly said it "will fully investigate the circumstances" surrounding the toddler's death.

In the wake of the tragedy, Constance McCrae, who also resides in Salisbury, created a GoFundMe campaign to support Er'mias's parents. According to the page, funds will help cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as legal and attorney fees, as the family seeks justice and answers.

Er'mias's grandmother also took to Facebook to defend David and Sharde's role as parents. She said the parents always put their son first. She also urged the public to show compassion and called for justice in Er'mias's name.

As investigations continue, the Mitchell family is left clinging to memories and calling for accountability in the wake of their devastating loss.