4-year-old killed in fall from 7th floor of SC hotel

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A child has died after a devastating fall inside a Columbia hotel early Saturday morning, officials confirmed.

It happened just before 2 a.m. at the Embassy Suites off Greystone Boulevard, which is off Interstate 26 near the Riverbanks Zoo.

Maiya Caughman, 4, fell over a railing on the seventh floor inside the hotel, the Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed. The hotel has interior balconies open to the lobby on the first floor.

Embassy Suites General Manager Charles Johnson confirmed Maiya’s mother, Crystal Price Caughman, is an employee at the hotel.

He declined to go into specifics, but sent WIS the following statement:

“We can confirm that an incident happened at the hotel early Saturday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the individual. We respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time. Additional questions should be directed to the local authorities.”

King’s Funeral Home in Chester announced on Facebook it would be organizing the arrangements for the family, who will receive friends in Chester.

Family members did not want to comment on Maiya’s death at this time.

The Columbia Police Department does not suspect foul play, and the South Carolina Department of Social Services said it is not investigating currently.

Officials are still looking into the incident, however. CPD’s Special Victim’s Unit is leading the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed what happened, or saw Maiya at the hotel, should call the Richland County Coroner’s Office at 803-576-1799. Coroner Naida Rutherford says no detail is too small.

“We are working with the hotel engineers and staff to obtain all video footage that may be available,” Rutherford said. “We are asking that anyone who may have seen something that night to please come forward. They can remain anonymous.”

SLED confirmed it’s investigating, as per state law.

To submit an anonymous tip online, click or tap here.