Waterloo Girl’s Death Under Investigation

Waterloo police are investigating the death of a four year old girl.

Emergency workers were called out at about 2am Saturday to an apartment at Downing Court, on the report of an injured child. 4 year old Gracie Buss was found unresponsive when authorities arrived.

She was initially taken to Covenant Hospital, then transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

According to information posted on an online fundraiser, Gracie was pronounced dead just before 1pm Wednesday. Family members allege that the girl had been abused over a period of time, and may have sustained a skull fracture.

Initially, information indicated that the child fell down a flight of stairs. However, the Iowa Department of Human services was called in; Gracie and her 11 year old brother, Isaiah, were turned over to the DHS. The case remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed yet.

The fundraising website is seeking donations for Gracie's funeral, as well as money for her brother's living expenses.