After Being Misdiagnosed with a Cold, 5-Year-Old Girl Tragically Dies from Treatable Illness

A tragic misdiagnosis has left a family shattered and a community grieving after 5-year-old Cassie Morgan died from a treatable illness that was mistaken for a common cold.

Cassie, a joyful and energetic child from Springfield, Illinois, began feeling unwell late last week. According to her parents, she developed a mild fever, runny nose, and fatigue — symptoms that initially seemed like nothing more than a seasonal bug. Concerned but not alarmed, her mother took her to a nearby urgent care center.

There, a physician assistant reportedly performed a brief check-up and assured the family that Cassie had a cold. They were sent home with advice to rest, hydrate, and monitor her symptoms.

But over the next two days, Cassie’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Her fever soared, her breathing became shallow, and she grew increasingly lethargic. Her mother rushed her to the emergency room — but it was too late.

Cassie passed away on Sunday evening.

An autopsy later confirmed the cause of death as bacterial pneumonia — a highly treatable infection when caught early and treated with antibiotics.

“They told me it was just a cold,” said Rebecca Morgan, Cassie’s mother, holding back tears during a press conference. “I begged them to double-check, but they said it wasn’t necessary. I feel like I failed her — but really, the system failed us.”

Cassie, described by her family as “the brightest light in the room,” had just started kindergarten. She loved storybooks, playing with her golden retriever Max, and helping her dad bake cookies every Sunday afternoon.

The news of her passing has sparked outrage online and renewed scrutiny over the quality of care in urgent care clinics, where many families seek fast and accessible treatment for children. Pediatric specialists warn that respiratory infections in young children can escalate quickly — and that “common cold” symptoms may mask more dangerous underlying conditions.

“Children under 6 often present mild or nonspecific signs of serious illnesses,” explained Dr. Alyssa Granger, a pediatric emergency physician. “That’s exactly why caution and follow-up are crucial, especially if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.”

The urgent care facility involved has released a brief statement extending condolences to the Morgan family but has not acknowledged any wrongdoing. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of young Cassie and are conducting a full internal review,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, the Morgans have launched a campaign to raise awareness about pediatric misdiagnosis and are pushing for new legislation that would require mandatory re-evaluation for children under the age of 10 if symptoms persist or escalate within 48 hours of an initial diagnosis.

A petition titled "Cassie’s Law" has already received over 100,000 signatures in three days, with supporters calling for stricter protocols and better pediatric training in walk-in clinics.

“If even one more child can be saved because of Cassie’s story, then her death won’t be in vain,” her mother said.

Cassie’s school will hold a candlelight vigil this Friday evening in her honor. Her classmates and teachers are also planning to dedicate a reading nook in the school library to her memory — a place filled with her favorite books and photos.

As the Morgan family prepares to bury their daughter, they hope that sharing their grief publicly will serve as both a tribute to Cassie’s short but joyful life and a wake-up call for parents and health providers alike.