Candlelight gathering planned for lost baby

Members of the Bighorn Basin are coming together following the unattended death of a two-month-old baby in Manderson July 6. The story of the infant, who died in a hot, filthy camper containing marijuana and methamphetamine, has received media attention across the state, region and nation as online coverage rapidly spread the news. Destynie Study, the child’s mother, faces misdemeanor charges in the case; Travis Study, the grandfather, a felony charge. 

In Big Horn County, the community has rallied to support Destynie Study’s elder son, who has been removed from her custody. Barbara Anne Greene of Basin kickstarted the effort to support the toddler. 

“I called the DFS office to ask if the big brother was safe and if he needed anything. They
mentioned when they went to the Greybull Community Closet, there were no baby hygiene items in it,” Greene said. “They also shared that he would be needing clothes.  When I posted on Facebook that items were needed for the big brother, the response was overwhelming. Within an hour, items were being dropped off.”

The 15-month-old boy wears size 2T clothing; clothes, baby hygiene products and toys can be dropped off at the Department of Family Services office in Greybull, 616 Second Avenue North. Greybull Community Outreach thrift store and food pantry was able to provide assistance. Robyn Wildman has reported that the Greybull and Worland Elks Clubs will donate for the purchase of new clothing, as well. Several have stepped forward to help pay for the deceased child’s funeral.

To honor the baby’s memory, Greene suggested donors contribute to local community closets that help families in crisis or make financial contributions to Big Horn County CARES, which serves the victims of crimes. Several local community closets accept donations, including St. Andrew’s Neat Repeat in Basin, New Life Church in Powell and Outpost Church of Cody and Born Again Clothing in Worland.

A candlelight gathering, a partnership between Greene and CARES, will be held for the deceased infant July 23 at 9:30 p.m. on the Big Horn County Courthouse steps in Basin. Luz Hernandez, CARES director, will provide blue pinwheels to be displayed, a symbol for child abuse prevention. Keonna Herman has donated 200 candles.