Investigation launched into death of 9-month-old at Clermont daycare

CLERMONT, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The Lake County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 9-month-old at a Clermont daycare. 

The Lake County Sheriff's Office says that they are conducting a death investigation at a daycare on Summerset Court in Clermont.

They say that on the afternoon of July 17, deputies were told that a 9-month-old boy had been brought in unresponsive to the Clermont Care Center by one of the workers, from the daycare located behind the center. 

Medical personnel say that they began CPR until EMS arrived, at which point the 9-month-old was taken to South Lake Hospital and then flown to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

"The 9-month-old who passed is Zachary Jackson," said Sergeant Fred Jones with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  "The daycare center is a residential day care which goes by the name of Dodd Family Daycare. The daycare is listed under a Joseph and Debbie Dodd." 

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of this child and our condolences are with the family," said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll, in a statement sent to FOX 35.  "DCF immediately issued an order ceasing further operations at this registered day care home."

Carroll said the department has opened their own death investigation and child care licensing staff are conducting a "thorough review" of the daycare. 

"We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to hold those responsible fully accountable," he added.