MARION, Illinois (AP) — The Illinois state coroner said Thursday that an autopsy revealed that a three-year-old of Columbian descent was killed last month on a bus carrying migrants from Texas to Chicago. The girl died from bacterial infection and other factors.
Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon said the bacterial infection and aspiration pneumonia, along with diarrhea and vomiting, led to electrolyte issues, brain swelling and ultimately the Aug. 10 death of Jismary Alejandra Barboza Gonzalez.
The minor’s low weight and height for her age were factors in her death, the report added.
When the family boarded a bus in Brownsville, Texas, the girl began to have mild symptoms and feel unwell, Cannon said. Before that, she was only allowed to get in the car because she had a low-grade fever.
During the trip, Cannon said his symptoms worsened, with vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and dehydration. He drank an electrolyte drink and his temperature reached 37.8 degrees Celsius (100.1 degrees Fahrenheit). The girl’s condition deteriorated and she began to have difficulty breathing.
The bus is part of a program launched last year by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to send migrants arriving in the state to Democratic-run cities around the country.
The girl’s great-aunt, Gisela González, said the family left for the United States in May from their home in Colombia, where Gismarie was born.
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