Toddler found dead in Anoka Co. day care

The Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the license of a day care provider in Anoka County the day a 22-month-old Lino Lakes boy was found dead.

Cameron Lange, who would have been 2 years old in March, was put in a portable crib for his midmorning nap Jan. 29 at Little Hands Child Care in Circle Pines. He was put in a "Pack 'n Play portable type crib which had been placed underneath a lofted bed," said Anoka County Sheriff's spokesperson Cmdr. Paul Sommer.

When the day care provider checked, she found Cameron dead.

"It's apparent that the child was attempting to get out," said Sommer, "and he got trapped in between the Pack 'n Play and the bed."

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The Minnesota Department of Human Services suspended the provider's license last Friday. The state permitted the home operator to provide care for up to 10 children, "with no more than 8 children under school age.

"Due to the serious nature of the report under investigation, Anoka County cannot ensure the safety of the persons served in your program," said the DHS order.

"You are also prohibited from operating as a legally unlicensed child care provider unless and until such time as this order is reversed upon appeal."

Sommer said the case was referred to the Anoka County Attorney's Office for further review.

A GoFundMe page set up to help with the family's funeral cost has so far received more than half of its $20,000 fundraising goal.

Cameron is survived by his parents, Ryan Lange and Christina Hamman. His funeral was Thursday morning at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Shoreview.