Alleana Riding was elated over the birth of her newborn but was quickly met with the tragic news of her 2-year-old son while she was prepping to come home from the hospital.
Riding’s son, Hayden Jay Riding, drowned just outside their home in an irrigation ditch.
A call was made to the police around 7:30 p.m. to report a toddler pulled from an irrigation ditch on Monday. Hayden was under a family member’s care while his mom was at the hospital in Provo with her newborn baby, ABC 4 reported.
Hayden disappeared while a family member was babysitting, according to authorities.
After the toddler’s disappearance, they eventually discovered him in the irrigation ditch 20 minutes after they began their search.
While the family did have a fence around their home — the family noted how Hayden was very energetic and would frequently escape their yard, despite the fence.
CPR was performed and Hayden was later taken to a hospital, where he passed. A GoFundMe account created to help raise money for Hayden’s funeral reads: “Alleana is a single mother to three beautiful children all under the age of two” and she “was at the hospital getting her newborn baby ready to come home from the NICU” at the time of the accident.
“The oldest son of the bravest and strongest mother I have ever known is now resting in the arms of God after a very tragic accidental drowning in Delta, UT last night,” page creator Jodi Finlinson wrote.
“I am setting up this fundraiser for Alleana hoping and praying that it’ll take the financial burden away from her,” Finlinson continued.
“Alleana has overcome more burdens and heartache than most people could ever imagine. And here she is, still standing strong and being the best mother to her children.”
In addition, there is a Venmo account in the mother’s name where people can donate: @Alleana-Riding.
“Have no words for the way I am hurting right now Hayden Jay Riding,” she wrote in her post to Facebook last Tuesday. “R.I.P baby boy mommy loves you and will miss you so much…I don’t even know how I am going to make it through my life with out you however I know your not gone in spirit I feel you telling me momma it’s okay please be strong.”
“I will always cherish our moments together,” she added. “I love you son. You’re my #1hero from day one.”
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