Police say death of 10-year-old girl not suspicious

Police are investigating the death of a 10-year-old girl found Thursday in her home.

The body of Jasmine Maske, of 590 Bentley Drive, Apt. 10, in Marion, was found dead about 8:16 a.m. Thursday by police and paramedics, Lt. Scott Elam said today. Police believe it's a medical related death but a death investigation is standard procedure in a situation like this.

Jasmine's body had been sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny.

Linda Maske, Jasmine's grandmother, said Friday Jasmine, who was born with persistent fetal circulation that caused her lungs to be underdeveloped, has always been a “trooper,” even with many hospital visits throughout her life.

“She was such a pleasant young girl,” Linda Maske said. “Just a lovely young lady. I'm so happy we had her for 10 years. We hope the autopsy will tell us what happened. Maybe she was sicker than we thought because she never complained.”

Linda Maske said Jasmine also had stomach problems and suffered from migraines. Doctors never diagnosed the stomach issues, she said.

Melissa Maske told police her daughter had been sent home sick Tuesday from Francis Marion Intermediate School, according to a search warrant filed today in Linn County District Court. The next day, Jasmine wasn't feeling well, had blurred vision, poor balance and was vomiting.

Linda Maske said Jasmine took medication for her asthma and migraines. Her mother called the doctor and was told to keep Jasmine hydrated because of the vomiting, Linda Maske said. Jasmine had this problem before and had become dehydrated.

Linda Maske said Jasmine wasn't feeling well after she left her house on Wednesday. Melissa put Jasmine to bed about 9:30 p.m. and checked on her about 11:30 p.m. and she was sleeping.

Jasmine didn't respond to her mother when she attempted to awaken her daughter around 8 a.m. Thursday, Linda Maske said.

“Everybody loved Jasmine. The kids at her school were making cards for her today and many of them want to come to the funeral. She loved her church and she loved Taylor Swift. We're going to play Taylor Swift songs at the funeral.”

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Antioch Christian Church in Marion. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is set up for the family at Mr. Beans, 1080 E. Post Road, in Marion, where Linda Maske worked.