Baby Survives Five Days Lying Underneath Deceased Mom's Body

After a motorcycle crash left her in chronic pain, Renae Micallef, 36, battled an addiction to painkillers, leading to the decision to send her daughters to live with her mother in Albion Park. Kerrie Micallef told Daily Mail the girls felt like her own daughters.

By September 2014, life seemed to take a turn for the better. Renea was settled in her own home in Woonona, just south of Sydney, where she had lived for several years. She was the mother of eight-month-old Dylan and had overcome her addiction.

Dylan’s father was out of their lives for the most part, which was okay with Renea; she didn't need him around.   Her mom and neighbors said she was happy and a good mother to Dylan. She loved the baby with all her heart. Everyone around Renea thought her days of drug use were behind her.

The Last Day Anyone Saw Renea

On September 11, 2014, a beautiful Thursday afternoon, Renae spoke to neighbors as she and Dylan returned from a shopping spree at a local Big W. Neighbors noted that Renea had several bags in her hands and seemed especially happy that she had purchased necessities for Dylan.

After speaking to the neighbors briefly, Renea and Dylan walked inside and closed the door. That was the last time anyone saw Renea alive.

Neighbors visited Renea over the next few days, but she never answered the door or the note they left for her. By Tuesday of the following week, neighbors feared the worst and called the police requesting a welfare check on Renea and Dylan.

Police Find Dylan Underneath His Mother's Body

Police busted down the door after no one answered the door. Officers immediately saw Renae sprawled out on the floor, obviously deceased. The Medical Examiner said Renae had overdosed.

To their surprise, baby Dylan lay partially underneath her body, still breathing but near death.  He was rushed to Wollongong Hospital. Doctors did not expect the infant to survive. Dylan survived despite the odds stacked against him. Medical experts transferred him to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where more experienced doctors and medical technology were available.

Dylan recovered and, after weeks in the hospital, went home with his grandmother, where he remains today. 

After her death, Renae’s daughter posted on Facebook:

“‘RIP to the most beautiful, strongest woman I know, my mother. I never got to tell you I love you.’

I send my deepest condolences to Renea’s mother and children on their loss. Thankful Dylan survived.

Facts About Drug Addiction in Australia

According to Addiction Help, drug addiction is a big concern across Australia. More than two million people use cannabis in the country, which isn’t too alarming. More concerning, however, are the following statistics:

• More than 14 million Australians over the age of 14 admit to using an illicit drug at least once in their lifetime
• Opioid use in Australia continues to rise. An estimated 290,000 people live with opioid addiction, and the number continues to rise
• Around 113,000 people use cocaine  
• Some 237,000 people use amphetamines regularly
• An average of 6,000 Australians die each year as a result of alcohol abuse.

For help beating an addiction to drugs or alcohol, reach out to the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline at 1800 250 015. You can also visit the Australian Government website for additional information. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/drug-help.

Sources:

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2572563/woonona-babys-amazing-recovery-after-spending-five-days-alone/ 

https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/australian-statistics/

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/illicit-drug-use 

Ms. Micallef/Facebook

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