Article Responding To:
Contract worker negligence led to the death by suicide of a teenage foster child in state care at a Baltimore hotel, according to a newly released report obtained by WBAL-TV 11 News. David Collins examines what’s in the report:
Response:
Kanaiyah Ward died in September 2025 from an intentional overdose of Benadryl at the Residence Inn by Marriott while in the custody of the Maryland Department of Human Services.
The tragic death of Kaaniyah Ward a foster child living in a hotel in Baltimore, who overdosed is a absolutely horrifying. Now that we have learned that “negligence” led to this happening. There needs to be “Accountability” at DHS.
The recent hearing about this incident, Secretary Lopez’s testimony and answers were terrible, tried to avoid talking about the incident, and the life of Kaaniyah. Now with this finding of negligence there needs to be Accountability and Change at DHS, I think the Secretary should resign, and we should all support Delegate Griffith’s in the 2026 Legislative Session!