WASATCH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) – Deputies are seeking further information regarding a deadly shooting that took the life a child in Heber, Friday.
According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, on June 9, the 911 Center received a call from a man stating he was on his way to the Heber Valley Hospital with his 7-year-old daughter.
On July 10, ABC4 speaks to the family of Zaydanielys Rodriguez Irizary.
Danny Rodriguez, the father, says he received a call from a friend Friday night, while at work that his daughter was on the floor bleeding.
He then rushed home to the Wasatch Commons Apartments in Heber and took her the hospital.
Rodriguez tells ABC4 he called 911 and then deputies came out to piece the story together.
Deputies state that around 10:50 p.m., doctors began treating the child for a gunshot wound and an investigation became underway.
After Wasatch County deputies responded to the hospital, they rushed to the scene of the crime. Deputies say shortly after arriving, a gunshot was heard within the area.
As the team began to prowl the scene, three intoxicated individuals were discovered and taken into custody.
According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, despite the best efforts of hospital staff, at about 11:30 p.m., the child had succumbed to her injuries.
“She had a bright future,” the child’s father shares. “It’s sad God took her away like that in one second without being able to say bye. It hurts a bit. God has his reasons I don’t blame anyone. God knows why things happen. It hurts. It hurts she had to be taken like this.”
Rodriguez says Zaydanielys loved sports and loved riding dirt bikes. He adds that his family moved to Utah within the last year.
As the incident remains under investigation by the Wasatch Back Major Crimes Task Force, deputies tell citizens, the Sheriff’s Office has searched the area and considers it safe for residents at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information you may have of suspicious activity near the Wasatch Commons Apartments the evening of July 9. If you have any information call their tip line at 435-654-WCSO.
A GoFundMe has been set up by the family and can be seen here.
