The autopsy on Zay Avion Morris, 2 months, was performed late Wednesday morning at the Anderson Area Medical Center. Forensic pathologist, Brett Woodard, M.D. performed this autopsy.

The preliminary autopsy findings found no obvious disease or congenital abnormalities; there was no blunt or penetrating injuries to this infant.

Obviously further laboratory studies and toxicology will be performed as part of the death investigation. These results will be required before a final cause and manner of death is determined.

Based on the autopsy findings, the preliminary cause of death is due to positional asphyxiation (suffocation). It is believed that Zay's airway became obstructed while he was in the crib at the daycare center.

The caregiver who placed Zay into the crib reported she laid him down on his side in the crib; she reported he was wrapped loosely in a baby blanket. The crib was a standard size crib; the padding in the crib was foam material which was approximately 3.75 inches thick. This padding was covered with a crib sheet. Zay reportedly was fed a bottle at approximately 3:10 - 3:15 pm before being placed into the crib.

At approximately 3:45 pm, the caregiver reported she found him unresponsive to voice; his eyes were closed and he was pale in color. The caregiver could not recall how she found him in the crib.

Her supervisor was alerted; the supervisor, owner of the daycare reported she saw Zay with "shallow breathing". She would contact the grandmother & mother of Zay that something was wrong; another caregiver assessed Zay and found him not breathing; CPR was initiated and EMS was called to the scene at 4:03 pm.

Zay was taken to the Oconee Medical Center were he was declared dead at 5:07 pm.

This death remains under investigation by this office, Seneca Police, & Oconee DSS. SLED has been advised this death.