A Family Vacation Turned to Tragedy: The Heartbreaking Death of Azariah Hough

What should have been a joyful family getaway quickly became a nightmare when 20-month-old Azariah Hough drowned in a hot tub at a vacation rental in Kissimmee, Florida, early on December 13, 2025. Her death, both preventable and shattering, left a family reeling, especially as they were in the midst of a holiday trip that now carries an unbearable weight.

Around 3:30 a.m. on that fateful night, first responders were called to the Airbnb on Nice Court after reports of a toddler found unresponsive in the backyard hot tub. Azariah was immediately rushed to AdventHealth Celebration, but despite the heroic efforts of medical staff, she was pronounced dead about an hour later. The tragedy struck just as the family had been enjoying what was supposed to be a peaceful vacation, their lives changed forever by a series of unfortunate decisions.

The Father’s Heartbreaking Admission: Neglect and Tragic Consequences

Reynard Tyrone Hough, Azariah’s 33-year-old father, told investigators that he had taken his daughter to the hot tub sometime between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. After entering the tub, he fell asleep while holding her in his arms. When he awoke, he discovered Azariah was limp and unresponsive, and immediately ran inside to alert the child’s mother. But in that moment, he failed to tell her the full story of what had transpired.

As deputies and emergency responders arrived, Hough admitted to having been drinking and using narcotics during the night. The toddler, unable to swim, had been in a hot tub with a depth of about three feet in cold overnight temperatures while her father was unconscious, under the influence, and not aware of the danger she was in. Investigators immediately expressed their concerns about the tragic circumstances, describing them as a “preventable” scenario.

While there is no indication that Hough intended harm, his actions ultimately amounted to neglect, and detectives later added a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child, in addition to the initial charge of child neglect. The realization that Azariah’s death could have been avoided is deeply painful for all who knew her, and it now stands as a powerful reminder of how quickly a lapse in judgment can lead to irreversible consequences.

A Family Devastated: Grief, Guilt, and Unanswered Questions

The grief in the Hough family is palpable. Azariah’s mother, relatives, and even the broader community are struggling to come to terms with the sudden, heartbreaking loss. With the holiday season approaching, the emptiness left by the tiny girl’s absence is only magnified. Family members have expressed their sorrow, not only for the life lost but also for the innocence of a child who had her whole life ahead of her. A family trip that should have been filled with laughter and fun is now overshadowed by guilt, grief, and a profound sense of loss.

At the time of the incident, another infant was in the home, adding to the emotional complexity of the situation. The sorrow is overwhelming, and the questions are many. How could this have happened? Could Azariah’s death have been avoided if different choices had been made?

The ongoing investigation and legal action underscore the gravity of the moment. While Reynard Hough’s actions were not malicious, they were reckless and ultimately cost his daughter her life. His arrest and pending court proceedings have left everyone involved trying to process the magnitude of the tragedy. For the family, this loss is not just of a beloved daughter but of the dreams and hopes they had for her future.

A Life Cut Short

Azariah Hough’s life was tragically cut short in an entirely preventable way. Her death serves as a reminder of how fragile and precious life is, and how important it is to stay present, to make careful decisions, and to protect those we love. The heartbreaking truth is that the events of that night, combined with a moment of inattention, cost Azariah her life.

As the family grapples with the painful reality of their loss, we can only hope that they find peace amid the questions that linger. May Azariah’s memory live on, not just as a reminder of the fragility of life, but as a call to make every moment count, especially for those who cannot protect themselves.