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Child Fatality Review shows fewer deaths in 2024 but persistent racial disparities, county report says
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Summary
Ellis Matheson, chair of Buncombe County's Child Fatality Review Team, reported 14 child fatalities in 2024 (five infants), down from 20 in 2023, and highlighted causes including accidental poisoning and drownings and racial disparities in infant deaths; the team recommended improved emergency notifications, parental support, and expanded treatment resources.
Ellis Matheson, Buncombe County public health director and chair of the local Child Fatality Review Team, presented the team's 2025 annual report summarizing deaths that occurred in 2024.
"For 2024, there were 14 fatalities, including 5 infants," Matheson said, noting the total is a decrease from 20 reported deaths in 2023. He said accidental poisonings (including illicit substances) and a drowning tied to flooding from Tropical Storm Helene were among the accidental fatalities, while perinatal conditions and two sudden unexplained infant deaths associated with unsafe sleep environments accounted for other infant deaths.
Matheson reviewed racial and age data: among all fatalities in 2024, 6 were white non‑Hispanic, 5 were Black non‑Hispanic, 1 was white Hispanic, 1 was Pacific Islander, and 1 was Asian. He noted infants accounted for five deaths and emphasized longstanding disparities: prior data showed a disparity infant mortality ratio around 2.96 (meaning Black infants experienced higher mortality compared with white infants in recent years).
The review team made several recommendations. For drowning, the team urged development of more robust and inclusive emergency and evacuation notification systems and broader water‑safety education. For suicides and youth behavioral health, the team recommended expanded parental support groups, more residential treatment options across the state for youth with behavioral health needs, and better access to intensive outpatient services locally.
Matheson said the team has shared recommendations with care coordinators and Buncombe County's Children's Collaborative and will send the full report and slides to board members after the meeting. Board members asked about adding neighboring‑county data for comparative context; Matheson said he would request that data from Henderson County's review team.
