Note: This story, which first appeared in the news in February 2017, is being republished.
After her quick thinking saved the life of her newborn daughter, Shelby Carter is being hailed as a hero.
Carter strapped 10-day-old Keana into a car seat and dropped her from the second-story window as their house caught fire.
Paramedics and firefighters discovered the baby safely on the ground, according to Jake Plumer, captain of the Wyoming-Speer Fire Department.
After the fire, the outside of Shelby Carter’s house, photo courtesy of CNN
The 21-year-old mother was trapped in the house, and crews attempted to rescue her but were unable to reach her in time.
Firefighters discovered her in the home’s upstairs bedroom and declared her dead. An autopsy revealed that she died from inhaling smoke.
The fire department expressed their condolences and requested donations for Carter’s family in a Facebook post.
“Words cannot describe what has happened within our community today,” the post said. We have encountered an emotion that no department wishes to experience. We can’t put into words how we really feel.
“Her 21st birthday was yesterday, and on Facebook, she posted what a great birthday, and this morning on Snapchat, I’d seen ‘loving these mommy moments,’ and she had the baby laying on her chest,” said Carter’s cousin Shawna Burwell.
“She loved every child she came in contact with and they loved her,” stated Carter’s obituary. Being a mother was her most memorable experience.
As of Saturday night, more than $30,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe page created to support Carter’s child and her family.
“Seeing how much support our community has shown to the family and all those involved in this tragic event has been incredible. Being a part of this community makes us feel incredibly honored and proud,” Plumer said.
