ALEXANDRIA, La. (4/4/2026) — The family of 11-year-old Za’niyah Ja’Nell “Niyah” Boyd is seeking answers following her death, as no official statement has been released by City of Alexandria officials regarding the circumstances.
According to an announcement from Miller & Hill The Funeral Directors, Boyd entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 5:04 p.m. at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Boyd was a 5th grade student at Rosenthal Montessori. She earned A/B Honor Roll recognition and was named Student of the Month. She loved music, art, and spending time with friends.
In conversations with UrbanCast, Boyd’s mother, Aijhnae Boyd, and her uncle, Frank Bell, said the child had attended a gathering prior to the incident.
According to the family, the situation involved a swimming pool. The child was later transported to the hospital, where she remained on a ventilator until her passing.
Family members say they are still working to determine what happened. They also report receiving differing accounts from those present.
“At this point, we’re still trying to figure everything out,” Boyd’s mother told UrbanCast.
Bell said multiple individuals have provided accounts of the incident. However, the family continues to seek clarity and accountability.
No Official Report
At this time, no official report or public statement has been released by City of Alexandria officials, law enforcement, or other agencies detailing the incident.
As a result, the lack of publicly available information has raised concerns among family members and the community. Many believe more transparency is needed in cases involving serious incidents, especially those involving children.
UrbanCast has reached out to the appropriate authorities, including the coroner’s office, and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Public viewing and visitation for Boyd will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Alexandria. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as confirmed information becomes available.
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