A 2-year-old girl from Ohio tragically died from suffocation, leading to the arrest of her mother and her partner. Authorities continue the investigation to determine the cause of death.
A small community in Adams County, Ohio, is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of a 2-year-old girl who was reportedly suffocated. This tragic event has led to the immediate arrest of the child’s mother and her partner, as an investigation unfolds, leaving many questions yet to be answered.
On July 1, 2025, emergency services responded to a distressing 911 call from the Timber Ridge Apartment Complex in West Union, Ohio. Upon arriving, deputies and medical personnel found the young girl unresponsive and showing signs of suffocation. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Arrests and Investigation
Tien Hawkins, a 25-year-old mother of three, and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Brian Moser (formerly known as Terry Smith III), were arrested on child endangerment charges. Both were taken into custody at the Adams County Jail.
The 911 call was placed by Moser at approximately 9:08 a.m. He described finding the girl unresponsive in the morning and seemed unsure of how the suffocation occurred, stating, “I don’t know if they suffocated last night or what’s going on… She’s dead. We woke up and found her.”
Authorities immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Although the cause was determined to be suffocation, investigators are still working to understand the timeline and specifics of how the tragedy unfolded. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
The Surviving Children and Community Impact
When authorities arrived, they found two other children at the scene—both of the victim’s younger sisters, ages 1 and 5—who were visibly injured but not in critical condition. These children have been placed in the care of Child Protective Services. Authorities are working to interview the surviving children to understand the cause of their injuries.
The community has expressed deep sadness over the tragic event. “She was such a sweet little girl who loved to play outside and always had a smile on her face,” said neighbor Kelie Proffitt. Another neighbor, Ciara Thurman, who had cared for the children, described the girl as having “the biggest heart” and being “smiley and happy.”
The case has raised many questions, with local officials calling for patience as they await toxicology results and other key reports to shed light on the circumstances of the child’s death.
Social Media Posts and Clues
In the days leading up to the tragic event, Hawkins and Moser shared several social media posts. Moser, just a day before the 911 call, had legally changed his name from Terry Smith III to Brian Moser, sharing his excitement on Facebook about distancing himself from a past he described as a “legacy.”
Additionally, Hawkins posted a humorous satirical post about children accidentally bumping their heads, seemingly trivializing the situation. This post has since attracted significant attention from those questioning the nature of the couple’s relationship with the children.
A Devastating Loss and Ongoing Investigation
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the loss of a young life has left the community reeling. The authorities continue to search for answers to determine whether this was a tragic accident or something more sinister.
We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.
