Local authorities and residents are seeking answers surrounding the tragic and mysterious deaths of a mother and her newborn. An investigation is underway in Waterford Township, Michigan, after Desiree Wheeler, 36, and her two-month-old son were found dead in a bathtub. 

Officers responded to a call at an apartment complex at around 10.30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Wheeler, who was the single mother of three, and her infant child, who appeared to have drowned in the bathtub. 

“On Friday, July 31st at approximately 10:30 pm, Waterford Police and the Waterford Regional Fire Department (WRFD) responded to the Whispering Woods Apartments on a reported drowning,” Scott Underwood, the Chief of Police at the Waterford Township Police Department, said in a statement.

“Police and WRFD personnel found a 36-year-old female and her 2-month-old son, both of whom appeared to have drowned in the bathtub. First responders immediately initiated life-saving measures, and both were transported to area hospitals by the WRFD, with police escort. Both mother and child were pronounced dead at separate area hospitals.”

Law enforcement officials have not yet released additional details regarding the incident. Investigation into the circumstances of the incident continues.

“An autopsy conducted this morning by the Oakland County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death for the mother and child was drowning. Investigators await toxicology results.”

Wheeler leaves behind two other sons, Jeremiah and Zamir, who are devastated by the sudden tragedy. Recalling their last encounter hours before the tragedy struck, Wheeler’s neighbor says the mother was friendly as always and greeted her neighbors.

Later that evening, the neighbor watched in horror as she witnessed emergency responders rushing the mother and infant out of the apartment as Wheeler’s teenage son stood by.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by the kids’ aunt to raise emergency funds.

“Jeremiah and Zamir are two young brothers now facing life after the loss of their mother, Desiree Wheeler and their little brother on July 31st,2026. As their aunt, Jessica Samples, I am asking for your support.”

“This fundraiser aims to provide them with stability by helping cover essential living expenses and future educational needs. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps give Jeremiah and Zamir the support, security, and opportunities their mother would have wanted for them, and if you’re unable to give, sharing this and keeping them in your thoughts means more than words can express,” a note on the page states.

Disclaimer: Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available within the public record.