Police: 3-year-old found unresponsive at preschool has died

MALVERNE – A 3-year-old girl who was found unresponsive at a Malverne preschool laid down for a nap and never woke up, according to the church pastor.

Malverne police responded around 1 p.m. Friday to Grace Lutheran Church and School, located at 400 Hempstead Ave. The girl, identified as Isabella Hagenlocher, was rushed to a hospital, put on life support and was pronounced dead on Monday.

Pastor David Anglada says the church is hurt and devastated by the girl’s loss. He says there were no signs of physical or emotional distress when she took her nap. She had spent the morning practicing songs for a Christmas program.

The girl’s family has started a GoFundMe page that at first asked for donations for medical costs but is now updated for funeral expenses.

“Isabella was full of life – vibrant, sassy, beautiful, funny, creative and a bright light in this world,” aunt Shannon Monahan Hagenlocher wrote on the fundraising site. “A daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend whose unexpected death has left a giant hole in all of our hearts.”

Police say there’s no reason at this point to suspect foul play in the girl’s death. They are awaiting autopsy results from the medical examiner, who is looking into medical conditions as contributing factors in her death.

Anglada says grief counselors were available at the church Tuesday and will be back on Wednesday.