Family remembers the life of 5-year-old Izaya Baiz-Hickey

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Five-year-old Izaya Baiz-Hickey died Thursday night after being electrocuted inside a utility box at a Mishawaka apartment complex. His family says Izaya was full of life and loved to explore. (Photo provided)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Nov 28, 2008 at 9:10 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 4, 2008 at 11:56 PM EST

MISHAWAKA -- Five-year-old Izaya Baiz-Hickey was electrocuted Thursday after he crawled inside a utility box at a Mishawaka apartment complex.

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People have been mourning his loss at a makeshift memorial site, all in memory of a life that came to a tragic end.

"We knew the way that he was pounding on the door it was Izaya. And he said, 'Your son just blew up,'" said Izaya's grandmother Melodie Hale.

And just like that, Melodie Hale lost her 5-year-old grandson. Now she stands at this makeshift memorial mourning his death.

"It should have never happened," said Hale.

Hale says Izaya went outside to play with his friend after eating Thanksgiving dinner. Fifteen minutes later she heard a loud boom. Izaya died after he was electrocuted inside a utility box.

"I was angry it happened on Thanksgiving, but I think it's appropriate because I am so thankful for the five years we had with him," said Hale.

Izaya loved animals, school, and playing outside with his friends.

"He was like my little brother that I didn't really have. I loved him," said Izaya's friend Haley Nemeth.

But most of all, he loved life. And he lived every minute of it like it was his last.

"He was so full of life and energy and curiosity. And I know when he went in there that he had no idea that was going to hurt them," said Hale.

It's a tragedy that has changed this family forever. But they hope it serves as a lesson to all parents about the dangers of utility boxes.

"And let your kids know how dangerous these things can be. And maybe it wouldn't hurt to come out and check and make sure there's locks on these things. He definitely was a gift from God and I take consolence in that he is with God now," said Hale.

The family says Izaya and his friend threw a toy inside the utility box. They think he went inside to get it because it was the right thing to do.

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