Authorities investigating death of 9-year-old Chicago Heights boy

Chicago Heights police and state child welfare officials are investigating the death of a 9-year-old boy Saturday in the south suburb.

The boy’s father brought him to the emergency room at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights at 6:13 a.m. Saturday, saying he had an asthma attack and passed out, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

The boy, who lived in the 100 block of East 22nd Street in Chicago Heights, was pronounced dead at the hospital at 6:25 a.m., authorities said.

An autopsy Sunday did not rule on cause and manner of death, with results pending further investigation, according to the medical examiner’s office.

DCFS is investigating the boy’s father for allegations of neglect, spokeswoman Veronica Resa said. The agency has not had prior contact with the family.

Two of the boy’s siblings who were living in the home have been placed with a relative under a DCFS-monitored safety plan, she said.

Chicago Heights police are also investigating the boy’s death, but would not provide further details.