A tragic incident in Kissimmee, Florida, has resulted in the death of one-year-old Azariah Hough, who drowned after her father fell asleep while holding her in a hot tub. The event occurred on December 13, 2023, during a family vacation at an Airbnb rental. Azariah’s father, Reynard Tyrone Hough, aged 33, reportedly dozed off for approximately 15 to 20 minutes around 03:30 while seated in the 37-inch-deep hot tub.
When he awoke, it was too late. Azariah, who could not swim, had become unresponsive. In a desperate attempt to save her, Reynard pulled her from the water and began performing CPR while her mother called for emergency assistance. Despite the prompt arrival of medical personnel, Azariah was pronounced dead at 04:30 at a local hospital, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
The family had traveled from Washington D.C. to enjoy a holiday in the Sunshine State. During the investigation, authorities discovered that Reynard had consumed alcohol and two narcotics prior to entering the hot tub with his daughter. Investigators indicated that one of these substances likely contributed to his inability to remain awake and attentive.
As a result of these findings, Reynard has been charged with child neglect resulting in great bodily harm and manslaughter by aggravated abuse of a child. Jail records indicate that a bond of $15,000 has been set for the child neglect charge, but no bond has been granted for the more serious felony offense. He remains in custody at the Osceola County Jail as the investigation continues.
Azariah’s aunt, Angel Hough, expressed the family’s profound grief. “It’s very hard losing a niece this way, and we feel so much hurt for my brother because he’s just so distraught and torn up,” she said. “She will be missed, especially just seeing her little butt running around.”
Captain Kim Montes from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of vigilance around water. “Children and water can be so dangerous, and parents must ensure they are focused and not under the influence,” she stated, urging families to prioritize safety in such environments.
At the time of the incident, Azariah’s mother and another young child were also present in the property. Montes acknowledged the challenges of supervising young children, saying, “We know they were devastated. They had another six-month-old child there, in the room with mom, that she was trying to put down.”
In memory of the spirited toddler, who was described as a “real talker” and a fan of her Bluey toy, an online fundraiser has generated over $3,300 to assist the family with transportation and burial costs for Azariah, who will be laid to rest in Maryland. Her family fondly remembers her as someone who “lit up every room she entered.”
