Nationwide — Er’Mias Mitchell, a 2-year-old African American boy from Greensboro, North Carolina, died after a dental procedure early Thursday morning. His family and local police are now investigating what went wrong during his visit to a surgical center.

The family had traveled from Salisbury to Valleygate Dental Surgery Center in Greensboro for Er’Mias to receive caps on his front teeth. They said the toddler was taken in for the procedure around 6 a.m.

Within 30 to 40 minutes, ambulances and police officers arrived at the center. The family claimed they were not immediately told anything. They only learned what had happened after Er’Mias was already taken by ambulance to a local emergency room, according to 11Alive.

Er’Mias’ mother, Sharde Sherill, recalled being called into a room by a receptionist. “Something’s not right. I’m scared,” she remembered telling Er’Mias’ father, David Mitchell, before hearing the news.

“They said they did CPR on my baby for 40 minutes,” Sherill said. “And I said, ‘Ma’am, how long can you go without oxygen to your brain? Why didn’t you come to the lobby in 10 minutes to tell me what my child was going through … Then my son left in an ambulance by himself.”

His great aunt, Constance McCrae, said the child’s mother watched the ambulance drive by without knowing her son was inside. His grandmother, Kyra Smith, described the loss as devastating. She said, “I don’t wish this on my worst enemy. No family should have to go through what we suffered today. This is the worst traumatic experience I have experienced — losing my child, mine, my blood.”

Er’Mias’ parents are determined to learn what caused the tragedy.

Valleygate Dental Surgery Center released a statement expressing heartbreak and said they are reviewing the incident closely. They highlighted their staff’s qualifications and the safety record of their center, which has treated thousands since 2019. The center said it will cooperate with authorities and respect the family’s privacy.

The North Carolina Dental Board announced it will investigate but clarified that the surgery center is licensed through the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, not the Dental Board. Their inquiry will focus on whether sedation or dental treatment caused the death.

Police confirmed they were called to the center at 7:16 a.m. on Thursday for a “law assistance” matter. They are now leading a death investigation. No further details have been released as the inquiry continues.