On June 14th, 2025, my life was completely shattered. My 4-year-old son, Brayden, was on his first-ever vacation with his father for Father’s Day weekend at Goose Creek RV Park in Newport, NC. Instead of coming home with happy memories, my baby boy came home in a casket. Local detectives of Carteret County closed Brayden’s case that same night, ruling it as just a “tragic accident”. But then I received the messages, the messages from people who were present that same day - people who saw what had really happened. They described nothing but pure negligence: that they the adults responsible for my son’s life were extremely intoxicated, leaving Brayden completely alone throughout the day into the night by a pond to fish, while those meant to protect him were busier elsewhere getting impaired. As his mother, I am living in a constant nightmare every single day. I have to live with the fact that my son was failed by people who he trusted the most. A 4-year-old canNOT simply protect himself. A 4-year-old doesn’t “accidentally” drown when he is being properly supervised, cared for, and protected. I am calling on District Attorney Matthew Wareham and the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office to do their jobs, especially when it comes to protecting and serving justice for our children. I have evidence, I have witness statements. My son didn’t deserve to be neglected. My son didn’t deserve to die, and he doesn’t deserve to have his case closed like he didn’t matter. Please sign to show Brayden’s life did matter and that we will not let his story be silenced just because he can no longer speak for himself. Help me fight for the justice of my son - and every child - deserves. #JusticeForBraydenClay #SpeakUpForBraydenClay