Diamonds, Caviar and Thugs: Diamond Brownridge Dies

The Cook County Medical Examiner's office said Thursday that lack of oxygen to the brain caused by anesthesia during a dental procedure caused the death of a five-year-old girl.

The autopsy was conducted on the body of Diamond Brownridge, who died Wednesday at Children's Memorial Hospital.

NBC5's Phil Rogers reported that although the cause of death was ruled an accident, the medical examiner's office said that was due to the anesthesia procedure. The pathologist who did the autopsy said either Brownridge's airway was not kept clear during the procedure while she was under anesthesia or the girl received too much anesthesia.

Rest In Peace, Diamond

The pathologist said he has asked Children's Memorial Hospital for any blood that they might have left over from when Brownridge first was admitted, so he can conduct toxicology reports, Rogers reported.

Brownridge's mother said she is not mad at the man who performed the procedure.

"My heart goes out to this dentist," Ommettress Travis said in a radio interview Thursday morning. "I'm not angry (at him). I'm praying for his family. I think we're both going through the same thing right now."

State records show dentist Hicham Riba was licensed in the state in 1997. He was in contact with family several times to see how Diamond was doing, Travis said. Riba said he is praying for Brownridge's family, and he considers himself to be a responsible dentist.

"The day this incident happened, he did come to the hospital and seemed very remorseful," she said.

"I really don't think the dentist or his assistant knew (Diamond) wasn't breathing," Travis told WGCI in a radio interview.

Travis was tearful as she described her daughter.

"Diamond was a people person," Travis said. "She loved church so much, she loved the Lord. She was beautiful and was never unhappy. Diamond was an angel and she loved life itself."

Family described the 5-year-old as a charter school student who was full of life, receiving As and a few Bs, and as a little girl who loves church.

"I told her 'Time to come home ... and go to church. Wake up. Daddy needs you at home,'" said her father, Paris, on Monday. "She's gotta come home. Her daddy loves her (and) misses her. She's my world."