A Minnesota family is mourning the loss of their infant son after his sudden death at a Savage childcare facility now under investigation for serious safety concerns. Harvey Muklebust was only five days away from his first birthday when he died unexpectedly after attending Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare in Savage.
His cause of death has not yet been released, but police confirmed that an investigation is underway. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families has suspended the facility’s license following the tragedy. Authorities revealed that Rocking Horse Ranch had a troubling record prior to Harvey’s death.
In June, state officials documented children’s access to hazardous objects, poor building conditions, and inadequate staff training. A March 2025 report also cited failures to provide personal hygiene products, improper labeling of diaper rash ointments, and meals that did not meet USDA nutritional guidelines. In the wake of the infant’s passing, the Savage Police Department issued a warning to parents whose children attend the facility.
“IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: As a precautionary measure, families with children who attend this childcare facility should closely monitor their children and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit altered mental status, unusual behavioral changes, or other concerning symptoms,” police wrote in a public notice.
Fox 9 reported that the state agency suspended the license after “two instances of emergency medical services needed for infants” occurred within days of each other. While Harvey tragically died, the condition of the second infant remains unclear. Harvey’s sudden death devastated his family and community. His obituary described him as “pure happiness and sunshine” from birth.
“Harvey’s favorite thing in the world was being surrounded by his family; whether that was at the dinner table, where he got incredibly messy eating pizza, or snuggling up on the couch as he drifted to sleep. Harvey could light up an entire room with his contagious smile and filled everyone’s hearts with joy through his adorable laugh,” the obituary said.
Friends of the family created a GoFundMe page to provide support. Harvey leaves behind his grieving parents, Hunter and Catherine, and his older brother, Declan. On September 25, police confirmed that officers attended Harvey’s autopsy, though toxicology results could take months to complete.
“This investigation is ongoing and comprehensive, and investigators are not ruling out any possible causes,” police noted. “Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.” The Muklebust family now faces an unimaginable loss, hoping to preserve Harvey’s memory while seeking answers to what went wrong at the childcare facility entrusted with his care.