Powell was brought to the Angel Medical Center emergency room around 3 p.m. March 8 by his parents and was pronounced dead upon arrival. Medical personnel were initially concerned about the circumstances because it appeared he had been deceased for longer than his parents reported. 

His parents said their son was laid down for a nap at 11 a.m. and they found him nonresponsive and brought him to the ER immediately. Neighbors, childcare providers and medical providers interviewed all said Powell appeared to be a happy and healthy child.

The pathologist who conducted the autopsy said Powell was a healthy weight and height and showed no signs of abuse or neglect. He also tested negative for any drugs or toxins. She found the immediate cause of death was low salt level and dehydration probably caused from an undiagnosed viral infection and a bacterial infection that could have been capable of accelerating decomposition after his death. 

After thorough review of all the evidence, the DA office determined there was no evidence of criminal misconduct related to Powell’s death.