Neaveh Faith Wagner, 4 months, was born on April 29th, 2026, and tragically passed away at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on September 23rd, 2026. She was, in every sense, a true bundle of joy—a happy, beautiful little girl whose presence brought light and love to the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

From the very beginning, she was an observant and remarkably aware baby, always looking around, taking in the world around her as though she wanted to understand everything she saw. Her family often joked that she was a little picky, but her father lovingly made sure she had everything she needed and more. She was deeply cherished, and her family took joy in watching her discover the world around her.

Music brought her comfort and peace. Her father remembers how “Rest on Us” by Maverick City Music would help put her at ease, creating quiet moments of comfort that he will carry with him always. Those moments, though simple, are among the precious memories her family will forever hold close.

Like every parent, her family dreamed of the life that awaited her. They wanted her to have the very best of everything—to grow into a bright young woman, to discover her gifts and passions, and to become whatever she dreamed of becoming. They imagined watching her learn, grow, succeed, and find her own path in life. They wanted her to have every opportunity to succeed in all her endeavors and to know, every step of the way, just how deeply she was loved.

Her life was tragically and devastatingly cut short as the result of child abuse and neglect. No child should ever have to endure what she endured, and no family should have to bury a child because the systems meant to protect them failed to do so. Her family has chosen not to let her story end with her death. Instead, they are using their grief to advocate for change, working alongside lawmakers and others committed to strengthening protections for children and creating safeguards designed to help prevent another family from experiencing this same unimaginable loss. If passed “Neveah’s Law,” will create a registry to help identify individuals who have has prior convictions of abuse, allowing government agencies to identify people who pose a high risk to harming children.

In her memory, her family hopes that her name will become part of something greater than their grief—a reminder that children deserve to be protected, heard, and safe. They are committed to pursuing meaningful change so that warning signs are recognized, vulnerable children are better protected, and systems are strengthened to help prevent abuse before another child's life is lost.

Even in the midst of such profound tragedy, she gave a final gift of life. Through organ donation, vital parts of her continued on to help other children. Her heart was given to a child in New York, while her liver was given to a young boy here in Middle Tennessee. Though her own life was far too short, a part of her will continue through the lives she helped save.

Her family will forever grieve the future they dreamed of for her—the first steps they should have witnessed, the words they should have heard her speak, the laughter they should have shared, and the bright young woman they should have had the privilege of watching her become. But they will also remember the little girl she was: happy, curious, observant, comforted by music, and loved beyond measure.

She deserved a lifetime.

She deserved to grow up.

She deserved every beautiful thing her family dreamed of for her.

And though she was given far too little time, her life mattered. Her love mattered. Her story matters. And through the lives she touched and the lives she has helped save; her light will continue to shine.

Neaveh is survived by her father Edward “Eddy” Wagner and his fiancé Natalie Montez, mother Jessica Petty, half-sister Emily Crittenden, paternal grandparents Donna and Paul Schlacht, maternal grandmother Dale Briley, aunt Beth Wagner, aunt Rebecca Petty, aunt Angela Briley, and special friends who were considered as family: Vanessa Hamrick, Gina Eubanks, and Matthew White.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks for donations to the GoFundMe for Neveah’s funeral Services or to make donations in her to Donate Life.

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-baby-nevaeh-wagner-with-a-proper-burial-and-service

Donate Life Tennessee Direct Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/L5LV9DBHHMS4E

Services for Neaveh will be private, and the funeral home asks the you respect the privacy of the family during this time.