Milwaukee, WI – A devastating incident has rocked a Milwaukee neighborhood following the drowning death of 13-month-old Asher Doxzon, whose mother, 28-year-old Selena Doxzon, is now facing criminal charges in connection with the tragedy.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, the heartbreaking chain of events began when Doxzon left her infant son Asher and his 3-year-old sibling unattended in the bathtub on the morning of the incident. She told investigators she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and wash dishes, leaving the bathroom — and her two young children — out of sight and unsupervised.
The complaint states that the water in the tub had been filled above Asher’s belly when he was seated — an unsafe level for a child of his age and size. After approximately four minutes had passed, the 3-year-old child walked into the kitchen alone. Alarmed, Doxzon rushed back to the bathroom, only to find Asher floating face-up and unresponsive in the water.
A nearby neighbor was alerted and immediately began performing CPR on the infant until emergency responders arrived. Despite their efforts, Asher was later pronounced dead at Children’s Wisconsin hospital at 9:45 a.m.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an initial examination and has issued a preliminary ruling of death by asphyxiation due to drowning, pending final toxicology results.
During questioning by investigators, Doxzon reportedly admitted that the water level in the tub was too high for Asher and acknowledged that the bathroom was not within her line of sight while she was in the kitchen. Authorities noted that her decision to leave both children — one of them a toddler barely over a year old — alone in the bathtub constituted gross negligence.
This tragic case has sparked renewed discussions around child safety and parental responsibility. While many parents face the daily challenges of managing multiple children and household tasks, safety experts and pediatricians continue to stress the importance of never leaving young children unattended in or near water, even for a few seconds.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with neighbors expressing deep sorrow for the loss of young Asher. Some community members have gathered to honor his memory with a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and stuffed animals near the family’s home.
Doxzon now faces serious legal consequences as prosecutors consider charges related to child neglect resulting in death — a felony in Wisconsin. If convicted, she could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The case remains under investigation as authorities await final medical findings. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a solemn reminder of the critical need for vigilance and care when it comes to child safety — especially around water.
In Loving Memory of Asher Doxzon
Gone too soon, forever remembered.