Big Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest case in connection with the death of an infant.

The baby was identified as 4-month-old Tainoa P. Sullivan of Kamuela.

Police were notified of the little boy’s death by North Hawai’i Community Hospital at 2:37 p.m. Wednesday (December 9).

Preliminary investigation by South Kohala patrol officers determined that the baby had stopped breathing while under the care of a babysitter. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:20 p.m.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.