News Summary
Ivy Rayne Stowe, a cherished 10-year-old, lost her life due to drug-related circumstances, leading to discussions on child safety and substance abuse.
Greenville, South Carolina – A 10-year-old girl named Ivy Rayne Stowe tragically lost her life on January 12, 2024, due to the combined effects of fentanyl and xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer. Her uncle, Zachary Taylor McClure, 37, has been charged with homicide by child abuse in connection with her death, which has shocked the community and sparked discussions about drug use and child safety.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed that fentanyl was found in Ivy’s system following a post-mortem toxicology test. Investigators have reported that McClure was using fentanyl in the home while Ivy was present, leading to the circumstances of her untimely death. Ivy was discovered in cardiac arrest at a residence on Paris View Drive and was later pronounced dead at Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital. Following the incident, McClure was arrested on March 28, 2024, and has had his bond denied multiple times due to the severity of the charges against him.
Xylazine, which is also known as “tranq” or “the zombie drug,” is an animal tranquilizer that is not approved for human use. The FDA has issued warnings since 2022 about the increasing prevalence of xylazine in drug overdose cases, highlighting its dangerous implications when combined with substances like fentanyl.
Ivy Stowe was born on September 26, 2013, to parents Hailey Ann Smith and Michael Brandon Stowe. At the time of her death, she was residing with her uncle in Taylors, South Carolina, and was a student at Taylors Elementary School, where she was a cherished member of Mrs. Richard’s fourth-grade class. Ivy was known for her vibrant spirit and kindness, which led to her receiving a posthumous “Kindness Award.” She was also set to be honored with the “Terrific Kid Award” the week following her passing, highlighting her positive impact on classmates.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Ivy was actively involved in various extracurricular activities. She practiced karate at Hurricane Martial Arts and attended the Vino and Van Gogh Summer Art Camp for Kids, where she expressed her creativity through art. Ivy shared a close bond with her black Labrador retriever, Tayvah, who was a beloved companion.
Ivy is survived by her mother, Hailey Ann Smith, her father, Michael Brandon Stowe, and her half-sisters, Matti Lynn and Trinity Skye Stowe. She is also mourned by her aunt, Savannah Padilla McClure, and other extended family members. The community is coming together to remember Ivy’s life and the joy she brought to those around her.
A memorial service for Ivy Rayne Stowe is scheduled for January 17, 2024, at Mackey Mortuary in Greenville, South Carolina. The service aims to commemorate her short but impactful life while also raising awareness about the dangers of substance use and the importance of safeguarding children in vulnerable situations.
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing issues surrounding drug use and its devastating effects on families and communities. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ivy’s death, calls for increased awareness and preventative measures against drug use are more critical than ever.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- WSPA
- Google Search: Fentanyl and Xylazine deaths
- Dignity Memorial
- Google Scholar: drug overdose epidemic
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Addiction
- Fox Carolina Video
- Google News: drug safety measures
