A seven-month-old child, Poppy June Platero, passed away on July 28, 2026, in Vernal, Utah, leaving a family to mourn the loss of a child described by her parents as a joyful and curious presence. The family has announced that memorial services will be held in Moab next week to honor her memory.
A Life Defined by Joy
According to an obituary from Spanish Valley Mortuary, Platero was born on December 1, 2025, in Roosevelt, Utah. Her family released a statement expressing profound heartbreak over her passing, noting that they were unprepared for the loss of their "cherished baby girl."
Platero's life was characterized by a deep connection to the outdoors, a trait reflected in her name, which was chosen by her parents to honor their love of nature. Her family noted that she displayed an unusual affinity for the natural world even in her infancy, specifically enjoying the sensation of having her feet in the grass.
In one recounted memory, her mother, Brooke Lani Droesbeke, allowed the infant to play in the mud to experience the natural benefits of the earth, a fifteen-minute period the family described as one of their happiest moments before she had to be stopped from eating the dirt.
Personal Milestones and Favorites
The infant was known for reaching several developmental milestones that her family celebrated with great enthusiasm. Most recently, she had discovered the ability to climb stairs at home, a new freedom she reportedly embraced.
Platero was known to have a strong preference for specific toys and music. Her favorite companion was a pink giraffe that she frequently carried with her. She also showed a distinct interest in music from the film "The Princess and the Frog," particularly the songs "Almost There" and "Dig a Little Deeper."
Her household also included a family dog named Danny. The family shared that the dog would often play with Platero by stealing a rubber ducky from the bathtub and dropping it in her lap, a game that frequently resulted in the infant cackling with delight.
Family and Cultural Traditions
The family observed significant cultural and personal traditions during Platero's short life. In the spring, they celebrated her Awee Chideedloh, a Navajo tradition designed to celebrate a baby's first laugh and welcome joy into their lives.
Platero is survived by her parents, Brooke Lani Droesbeke and Tommy Dean Platero. She also leaves behind her grandparents, Dolores Michele Cortes and Loralie Cox, as well as honorary grandparents Niccole Aylsworth and Stanley R. Aylsworth. Her passing is also mourned by a large network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.
Service and Memorial Details
Funeral services for Platero are scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Spanish Valley Mortuary located at 386 N. 100 W. in Moab, Utah. A burial ceremony, or interment, is scheduled to follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Grand Valley Cemetery.
In response to the family's loss, the mortuary noted that community members can support the bereaved through donations. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to assist with the various funeral, hospital, and legal costs incurred following the tragedy. Donations can be directed to a dedicated fund at poppyplaterofund.com.
