Foster child drowns in pool, parents question DHS

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

After their two-year-old child Sky Dawn drowned in a swimming pool Sunday, Melissa and Rocky Word spoke out against the Department of Human Services.

Sky was taken from Melissa and Rocky Word, her biological parents, four months ago. The two-year-old was at her foster home when she climbed a ladder, fell into an above-ground pool and drowned, police said.

"I don't understand how she got into the pool or why," Melissa Word said. "I do know it wouldn't have happened if she would have been watched."

Melissa and Rocky Word said they're grief-stricken after the youngest of their four children drowned.

"She was just beautiful," Melissa Word said. "I mean, she was always happy, she was very independent, very smart."

"I want other folks to know out there, they take your children away. They are supposed to be safe and this is what happens," Rocky Word said.

Three of the couple's children were in foster care at the home because of past alcohol problems between the parents. The Words said they were attending parenting classes and making progress, but now they want answers from DHS.

"We are working with law enforcement," George Johnson of DHS said. "We're working with the district attorney's office to come to a very speedy and complete investigation of this matter."

DHS has removed the other foster children from the foster home. Johnson said DHS requires fences around pools at foster homes.

"This is what we consider or could be considered one of those deaths that could have been avoided," Johnson said.

The Word couple is struggling financially and said they need help with funeral costs for Sky. 

Anyone wanting to donate can send a contribution to the Chickasha Bank and Trust, where an account has been established for Sky Dawn Word.