Girl Killed At Newark Preschool

NEWARK, CA — A 3-year-old girl was killed playing on a tire swing at a Newark Preschool last October. The death resulted in citations from a state licensing agency, the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) of the California Department of Social Services, and a lawsuit from the child's parents.

Last Oct. 19, Macie Opperman was playing on a recently installed tire swing with two other children when it tipped over, causing a catastrophic head injury. According to the CCLD report, "CPR was initiated, parents and 911 called. EMTs arrived and transported the child to the hospital where later she was pronounced dead." The other two children were not injured.

The preschool, Park Side Preschool, was cited for failure to anchor the structure to the ground and failure to have cushioning material beneath the structure. The preschool is operated by First Presbyterian Church of Newark.

In January, Macie's parents, Jeremy and Leanne Opperman, filed a lawsuit against the school and its director Heather Mitchell.

Park Side Preschool has not returned a call from Patch requesting comment on Macie's death or the lawsuit.

Computer engineer Lucas Eckels, whose son was a student at Park Side when Macie died, has created a website to keep parents informed about the incident.

Park Side Preschool Safety website

See the CCLD citations

See the lawsuit filed by Macie's parents

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