Mother Seeks Answers After Hillsborough Daycare Death

A four-year-old boy died after becoming unresponsive while in the care of Blooming Hearts Child Development Center in Hillsborough, New Jersey, on Aug. 14, 2026. His mother Shanya Robins is seeking answers as the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office investigates the medical emergency and response.

According to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, Hillsborough Township Police were dispatched to the daycare at about 12:06 p.m. The child was taken to a local hospital, where he later died, and the investigation remains active.

Robins said her son Yasmir, who had cerebral palsy, had attended the daycare since he was four months old. She said she was contacted about the emergency and arrived to find him unresponsive.

"I immediately began trying to help my child and told staff to call 911," Robins said. "That is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life," Robins said.

Robins has questioned how the emergency was handled and said she has cooperated with investigators. Her attorney Fallon Stephenson said Robins found Yasmir in a highchair and that CPR began after she instructed staff to call 911.

"Since that day, I have been searching for answers about what happened to my son and how his medical emergency was handled," Robins said.

Robins also asked why the daycare remained licensed while she awaited findings from authorities.

"What I am struggling to understand is why this daycare is currently still listed as a licensed child-care center while I am still waiting for answers and final findings regarding what happened to my child," Robins said.

She called for information about whether required emergency procedures were followed and what actions authorities may take.

"Was every required emergency procedure followed? Why did I arrive to find my child in the condition that I did? What has the investigation determined?

And what actions, if any, will be taken?" Robins asked.

Robins said she wants accountability but does not want the daycare or employees targeted.

"I am not asking anyone to harass, threaten, or attack this daycare or its employees," Robins said.

She added that she continues to seek answers about her son's death.

"I am simply a mother who lost my child and refuses to stop asking questions about what happened to him," Robins said.

Robins described Yasmir as a happy child and told Daily Voice that he had been smiling before his death.

"He was smiling and laughing," Robins said.

She said her son was deeply loved and that she remains focused on seeking justice.

"I want justice for my kid, and I want what’s right. Regardless of the outcome, I still have to go on in life without my kid. There is nothing I can do to bring him back, no matter how much I want to. Everyone can continue their life, while I’m left without a kid," Robins said.

Robins also recalled her life with her son and said he was central to her family.

"It was a great life with him," Robins said. "We did everything together you wouldn’t see me without him," Robins said.

"He was my baby — that was my world, my everything. I did everything I can to make sure he’s well taken care of and loved properly and needed for nothing and I did it all by myself," Robins said.

"It feels unfair. My child was well loved he was well he was healthy he was loved," Robins said.

Robins said she believes her son deserved protection and continued advocacy after his death.

"My son’s life mattered. He deserved to be protected. He deserves answers, and I will continue advocating for him even though he is no longer here to advocate for himself," Robins said.

The daycare did not immediately return requests for comment from media outlets. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office has not released additional details while the investigation continues.