Sudden death of 7-year-old girl sparks investigation by Dallas Police

The Dallas Police Department is looking into the sudden death of a little girl who passed away early last week, days before her birthday.

According to police, officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Goldwood Drive around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, after a call for service.

Once authorities arrived at the home, they found 7-year-old Royalty Rose Martinez unconscious. Dallas Fire-Rescue first responders were called to the house to help save the child's life, but she was pronounced dead.

Martinez's father told NBC 5 that his daughter was taken to a children's hospital two days before because she had strep throat. He claimed his child was then taken to urgent care, where she received antibiotics. Two days later, the young girl died.

Dallas Police said the incident is being investigated as an unexplained death. The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office documented the child died at 3:17 p.m., minutes before police showed up at the home. The coroner's report also showed the manner of the girl's death was still pending.

On Sunday, March 17, loved ones and community members held a benefit event to support Royalty's funeral expenses.

The Children's Health shared a statement on Monday regarding Martinez's death.

"The safety and well-being of all our patients is our top priority. To comply with patient privacy laws, Children’s Health maintains strict confidentiality, and as such, we do not share or discuss any patient information."