18-month-old dies of brain injury

18-month-old dies of brain injury

Her father says the Seven Oaks girl fell. The Sheriff's Office is investigating the death.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD

Published March 6, 2007

WESLEY CHAPEL - Authorities are investigating the death of an 18-month-old Seven Oaks girl who died Friday of bleeding in her brain.

Ryanne E. Spohn of 2620 Millhopper Ave. underwent surgery Friday at University Community Hospital in Tampa and later died, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating. A death investigation does not necessarily mean that a crime occurred.

"We investigate it like one has, with all the evidence collection, interviewing, questioning," sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll said Monday.

Ryanne's father, Jeffrey Spohn, told authorities the girl fell from a baby gate and struck her head. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance just after 2 p.m. Friday.

An autopsy determined she died of bleeding in her brain. Doll said he didn't know whether she died during or after surgery.

No other details were available, and Doll did not release the complete incident report, citing the open investigation. The final outcome could take weeks.

"What's still under investigation is the circumstances around her death," he said.

Jeffrey Spohn, 32, and Heather Spohn, 31, who lives with Jeffrey, have no criminal records in Florida. A 2-year-old girl also lives with them.

They could not be reached Monday.

Molly Moorhead can be reached at (352) 521-6521 or moorhead@sptimes.com.