A father who is mourning the loss of his two-year-old son is advising parents to “trust but verify” the individuals caring for their children. This caution comes after the tragic death of his son, Frank “Frankie” Rodenbaugh, while under the supervision of a nanny.
Matt Rodenbaugh is advocating for parents to consider installing cameras in their homes to ensure their child’s safety, following the incident where Frankie passed away due to hypothermia while in the care of 40-year-old nanny Aimee Cotton. Cotton has been charged with manslaughter and reckless endangerment, although she denies these allegations and is awaiting trial.
In his first public statement since the heartbreaking event, Mr. Rodenbaugh emphasized the importance of trusting caregivers while also being vigilant. He stressed the need for parents to ask questions, make unexpected visits, and consider using cameras not for spying but to protect their children.
Recounting his memories of Frankie, Mr. Rodenbaugh expressed his desire to prevent similar tragedies for other families. The incident occurred when Cotton allegedly left Frankie unattended in her vehicle on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, leading to his hospitalization and eventual passing due to hypothermia.
Despite having known Cotton for a decade and entrusting her with their older child, Mr. Rodenbaugh and his wife Julie have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her. Seeking damages of $260,000 (£193,000) and unspecified punitive damages, the family has also established a foundation and playground in Frankie’s honor.
As they await the trial proceedings, Cotton remains free on bail, maintaining her innocence with the support of her attorney, Harrison Barrow III. The Rodenbaugh family’s advocacy for child safety and accountability in caregiving continues to resonate with parents, emphasizing the importance of balancing trust with vigilance in protecting children.