The heart-wrenching death of one-week-old Zane Scott Usadel-Smart has shocked the community of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and raised serious questions about infant care and parental responsibility. On April 10, 2024, Zane was found unresponsive in the bed of his parents, Ashley Susana Usadel, 31, and Travis Scott Smart, 34. His death has led to the arrest of both parents, who are now facing charges of child endangerment and, in Usadel’s case, involuntary manslaughter.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of co-sleeping with infants and the failure to establish safe sleeping arrangements. The details surrounding Zane’s death have drawn significant attention to the practices that parents must adhere to in order to ensure the safety of their newborns. With charges filed, and the investigation ongoing, this case has far-reaching implications for both the parents involved and the wider community. This article takes a deep dive into the background, context, and details of this heartbreaking case.

### The Incident: A Disturbing and Tragic Discovery

On the evening of April 9, 2024, the life of one-week-old Zane Scott Usadel-Smart came to an abrupt and devastating end. According to Sunbury Police Department reports, the tragedy occurred when Zane was found unresponsive in his parents’ bed early in the morning of April 10. Officers were called to the scene at approximately 2:30 a.m., following a report of an unresponsive infant. When they arrived, they found Zane lying face-up on a bed in the living room, and his father, Travis Scott Smart, performing CPR in an attempt to revive him.

Despite the father’s efforts and the quick arrival of emergency medical personnel, Zane was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Law enforcement officers immediately contacted the Northumberland County Coroner’s Office, as well as the Children and Youth Services Office, to handle the investigation.

### The Parents: Ashley Susana Usadel and Travis Scott Smart

Ashley Susana Usadel and Travis Scott Smart, both of whom are now facing serious criminal charges, were quickly taken into custody for questioning by police. The investigation revealed that the circumstances leading to Zane’s death were far from accidental, with disturbing details coming to light during the questioning of both parents.

Usadel, who had been breastfeeding Zane before the child’s death, reportedly explained that she had been scrolling through TikTok on her phone while holding her son in her right arm. At some point during the night, she said she fell asleep while still holding him. She claimed that when she woke up, she found Zane unresponsive next to her on the bed, with no immediate explanation as to how or why he had ended up there.

Authorities on the scene noted a “large discoloration” on the child’s forehead, but this does not provide a clear explanation of the cause of death. In a later interview with detectives, Usadel admitted that she normally places Zane in a “Pack ‘n Play” crib for his sleep routine, but on this particular evening, the crib had not been set up. Usadel’s explanation for this was that she hadn’t yet “gotten around to it.” It was also noted that while Zane had no crib or bassinet, she regularly fell asleep with him in her arms.

In Smart’s statement to investigators, he said that he went to sleep around 11 p.m. that evening, joining Usadel and Zane in the same bed. Smart mentioned that Usadel typically handled the bedtime routine for Zane, and he did not intervene or make any changes to the arrangement that night. When asked about the absence of a crib or bassinet, Smart allegedly remarked, “They haven’t got around to it.” Both parents’ actions, or lack thereof, have raised serious concerns about their awareness of infant care and their responsibility for providing a safe sleeping environment for their newborn child.

### Child Endangerment Charges and Involuntary Manslaughter

Following the investigation, both Usadel and Smart were arrested and charged with one count each of child endangerment, and Usadel faces an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter.

The charge of child endangerment stems from the parents’ failure to take appropriate steps to ensure Zane’s safety while he slept. Experts in child care have repeatedly stressed the importance of setting up safe sleeping environments for newborns, such as using a crib, bassinet, or other approved sleeping surfaces, and avoiding co-sleeping. Co-sleeping with an infant, especially in an adult bed, has been linked to an increased risk of suffocation, falls, and other injuries.

In addition to child endangerment, Usadel’s charge of involuntary manslaughter relates to her actions—specifically, the failure to take proper precautions in preventing harm to her infant. While the death may not have been intentional, involuntary manslaughter can be charged when a person’s reckless actions result in the death of another. The prosecution will likely argue that Usadel’s decision to co-sleep with her newborn while distracted by her phone contributed to the tragic outcome.

### The Role of TikTok and Distraction in Parenting

One particularly disturbing aspect of this case is the revelation that Usadel was using her phone to scroll through TikTok while breastfeeding her son. This detail has drawn attention to the growing concern over the role of smartphones and social media in everyday life, particularly in the context of parenting.

While it is not uncommon for parents to use their phones during downtime, the danger of distractions—especially when it comes to infants—cannot be overstated. Research has shown that distractions during parenting can have serious consequences, particularly when they lead to neglect or an inability to provide appropriate care. The use of phones and social media platforms like TikTok has become a major concern in this regard, as parents often find themselves absorbed in their screens instead of giving their full attention to their child.

Experts in child development have warned that even small lapses in attention can lead to dangerous situations for infants. Co-sleeping, combined with distractions from smartphones, creates a risk for suffocation or accidental injury. This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of being fully present as a caregiver, particularly when dealing with the vulnerabilities of young children.

### The Emotional and Psychological Impact on the Family

This incident not only involves the death of a child but also a family torn apart by the consequences of neglect and poor judgment. For Ashley Usadel, this is a heartbreaking event that will forever alter her life. In addition to facing criminal charges, Usadel must now grapple with the emotional trauma of losing her son, compounded by the fact that her actions may have contributed to his death. While she will face legal consequences for her actions, there will also likely be significant emotional and psychological repercussions.

Similarly, Travis Scott Smart, as Zane’s father, is now confronted with the reality that he was involved in a situation where his child was not protected, leading to this devastating outcome. The psychological toll of the event is not only personal but will also affect their three other children, who were present in the household at the time. These children have been placed in the care of Children and Youth Services, and they too must cope with the trauma of losing a sibling while witnessing the police investigation unfold.

### The Broader Discussion: Safe Infant Sleep Practices

The case of Zane Scott Usadel-Smart has brought renewed attention to the dangers of co-sleeping and the importance of safe sleep practices for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other health organizations strongly advise against co-sleeping with infants due to the risks it poses, including suffocation, entrapment, and falls. Instead, they recommend that infants sleep in the same room as their parents but on a separate sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet, for at least the first six months of life.

Despite these recommendations, co-sleeping remains a common practice in many households, often due to cultural norms, convenience, or a lack of awareness about the potential risks. The tragic death of Zane highlights the importance of educating parents about safe sleep practices and ensuring they have the resources to provide a secure environment for their children.

Furthermore, the role of technology in parenting—specifically the distractions created by smartphones and social media—should be an area of concern for caregivers. Parents must balance the need to be engaged with their children while managing the pressures of daily life and the constant pull of digital media. This case underscores the need for a national conversation about the dangers of screen time for parents and the importance of being fully present when caring for young children.

### The Legal Process: What Happens Next?

The legal process surrounding the case of Zane Scott Usadel-Smart is still unfolding. Ashley Usadel and Travis Smart have both been arrested, and their bail has been set at $50,000 for Usadel and $10,000 for Smart. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the specific circumstances leading to Zane’s death, and further charges may be brought depending on the findings.

Child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter are serious charges, and if convicted, Usadel could face significant prison time. The legal proceedings will likely take months, and the outcome will depend heavily on the evidence presented in court. Given the emotional nature of the case, it will also serve as a crucial moment for raising awareness about infant care, the responsibilities of parents, and the importance of providing a safe environment for children.

### Conclusion: The Need for Awareness and Prevention

The death of Zane Scott Usadel-Smart is a tragic reminder of the fragility of infant life and the importance of safe sleep practices. The case highlights the consequences of neglect, distraction, and poor judgment, which led to the death of an innocent child. While the legal process moves forward, the broader conversation must focus on prevention, education, and support for parents to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.

Parents, caregivers, and society as a whole must work together to create environments where children are protected from harm, and where parents are equipped with the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe. The story of Zane serves as a powerful and heartbreaking lesson for us all.