A Massachusetts family is mourning the loss of 12-year-old Arya Lebeau, who died after falling from a third-story window during a sleepover at a friend’s home in Southbridge.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of Friday, May 23, has sparked an ongoing investigation by local authorities and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, People reports.
The girl was rushed to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after the fall but succumbed to her injuries early the next morning, on May 24.
The Worcester County District Attorney confirmed the Office of the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy, and the case has been classified as an “unattended death”.
“I Just Want Closure”: Family’s Search for Answers
Arya’s father, Jeremy Lebeau, is heartbroken and desperate for answers. “She was the greatest child I could have in my life. I miss her. I just want closure — no matter what, I just want closure, I want answers,” he told WCVB.
Arya had stayed at the friend’s home before, and her parents believed adult supervision would be present.
However, after the tragedy, both Jeremy and Arya’s mother, Charlene Cabrera, were informed that no adults had been home at the time.
“I dropped her off for her sleepover, and I just feel like I’m waiting for her to come home,” Cabrera said to NBC Boston News . “She was so hopeful for the future, and this summer she was really looking forward to many activities with her friends.”
Cabrera told WCVB she received a devastating call just two hours after dropping Arya off, learning her daughter had fallen from a window. “I was told it was a kick and she fell out the window,” she said.
Disputed Account: Alleged Argument Over Pizza
Conflicting reports have emerged about what led to Arya’s fall.
According to a Facebook post from a woman identifying herself as Arya’s grandmother, an argument over a slice of pizza may have escalated into physical violence, suggesting Arya was kicked out of the window.
Police have not confirmed these details, and no criminal charges have been filed. “The matter remains under investigation by Detectives with the Southbridge Police Department and Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. No further information will be released at this time,” the Southbridge Police Department said in a public statement.
Remembering Arya: A Life Full of Energy and Dreams
Arya was a seventh-grade student at Southbridge Middle School, known for her vibrant personality and creative spirit. Her bedroom wall featured a handwritten to-do list for summer — including dreams of trips to Six Flags, doing makeup and crafts with friends, and creating dance videos.
“She was always swimming in the summer. She was such a special little girl, everyone absolutely adored her. Her sassy and smart self is going to be greatly missed,” reads her obituary.
A GoFundMe campaign, launched by family friend Richard Belba, has raised over $18,000 to help cover funeral costs and support the grieving family. “I cannot express the amount of grief I feel at the loss of my only baby,” Cabrera wrote on the campaign page. “I have no words, but would like to thank every single person, parent and child for reaching out and for your loving support.”
The funeral service for Arya Lebeau will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, June 2, at the House of Destiny in Southbridge, with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Our thoughts go out to Arya’s family and loved ones at this time.
