HGP Nightly News – A 14-year-old girl who gave birth weeks ago has died, and authorities are now working to piece together the circumstances surrounding both her pregnancy and her death.
Aleena Preetam died between February 22 and 23, 2026, leaving behind an infant daughter now in foster care. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security confirmed that the Childcare and Protection Agency is working alongside the Guyana Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as investigations continue.
Preliminary findings suggest the father of the child may be a teenage boy under 18. DNA testing has been scheduled to confirm paternity.
What makes this case particularly heartbreaking, and complex, is that Preetam was already known to authorities. In 2024, the Childcare and Protection Agency intervened after reports that the teen was being physically, verbally, and sexually abused by her father. She was removed from her home in Region 2 and placed in the care of an older sister in Region 3. The matter was reported to police, and the father was charged and remanded. He was later granted $350,000 bail by the Essequibo High Court, with strict conditions prohibiting contact with the child.
Despite those protections, Preetam is now dead.
A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death: heart failure and anaemia. Relatives found her unresponsive in her bedroom after becoming concerned when her infant was heard crying for an extended period. She was rushed to Suddie Public Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Authorities noted that no marks of violence were observed on her body.
The ministry confirmed that the infant has been placed in the foster care system.
