DSS Probe Death Of 7-Year-Old

NORWOOD, Mass. -- The death of a Norwood boy is now under investigation by the Department Of Social Services.

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Jorge Quiroga Reports On Investigation

NewsCenter 5's Jorge Quiroga reported that Eben Tryon, 7, died 10 days ago of an undiagnosed disease.

Eben's parents are Christian Scientists, a religion that stresses prayer over medicine, and the Massachusetts Department of Social Services flagged the case.

In an exclusive interview with NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu on Monday, the boy's father, Bruce Tryon, said his faith as a Christian Scientist in the healing power of prayer did not keep his son from the doctors.

"The child didn't seem that bad, a little slow, didn't seem to have any problems. Just a little stomach pains, but nothing unusual," said Tryon.

Tryon said he believed Eben, just had the flu, not severe juvenile diabetes.

"No, I had no idea about that," said Tryon.

By the time Eben was rushed to the hospital it was too late. The little boy died two days after the school nurse had called the family, and his mother picked up the second-grader early.

"He was complaining of not feeling well. As far as we knew, he had no ongoing illnesses," said school superintendent Edward Quigley.

There is no evidence of neglect, but the case is under investigation.

"They rushed him to the hospital, which gives some evidence obviously that they were willing to seek immediate medical attention when they feared for the well-being of their child," said DSS Commissioner Harry Spence.

On Wednesday, a statement from the Christian Science Church read in part, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. While our knowledge of events is limited, we can say that this Church remains committed to the very best health care available for children."

"He was a very kind, compassionate little boy. He has an older sister with special needs and he would go down and visit the classroom. And not only was he kind to her, but he was also very kind to the other children," said Quigley.

DSS said the preliminary evidence in the case is not indicting, and that the Tryons will keep custody of their older daughter, who has Down syndrome.

The Norfolk County district attorney is also investigating the case, stating Wednesday afternoon that "no determination has been made as to any criminal conduct."