This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

41.619728 -87.848248

Close Modal Suggest a Correction Suggest a Correction

ORLAND PARK, Ill. — Officials are sharing new details about the death of a 2-year-old girl at Orland Square Mall. Alexandra “Alexa” Martinez, of Harvey, died Tuesday after she was injured inside the mall’s Akira clothing store. She was with a grandmother, an aunt and four other related children. The children were playing in and around the store. At some point, the 2-year-old girl was climbing on a display when the accident happened. “It appears that two temporary steel walls, approximately 8 feet high and 3 feet wide, somehow fell over upon the victim,” said Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy. “The temporary wall dividers weighed between 75 and 100 pounds each.” A doctor and nurse, who were shopping in the mall, rushed to help before paramedics arrived on the scene. Alexandra was transported to Advocate Christ Hospital with severe head injuries. She later died. Police said a lack of adult oversight was a big factor of the 2-year-old girl’s death. The Chicago-based Akira said it is “devastated by this tragic event.” The clothing side of the store was open for business Wednesday, while the shoe side of the store, where the incident occurred, will remain closed pending further inspection. McCarthy said he hasn’t been told of any code violations. The mall also offered its “deepest sympathies.” Alexa’s 3rd birthday was approaching. There’s no word yet on funeral arrangements.