Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Hill Sportswear To Recall Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings
Kids’ product recall 09-129. Announced by CPSC on Feb 12, 2009.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Feb 12, 2009. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The sweatshirts have drawstrings through the hood. The drawstrings should be removed immediately since they can become caught on objects and strangle a child.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Due to the serious nature of this hazard, parents are urged to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts or return the garment to either the place of purchase or to Hill Sportswear for a full refund.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Consumers should contact Hill Sportswear toll-free at (877) 322-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
The recall includes the Kid Pullover Hood and Kid Zipper with Hood. The Kid Pullover Hood has a flat style drawstring at the neck, one middle front pocket, and fleece inside lining. Top sewn in label reads “HILL/ Made in USA.” The hooded Zipper children’s sweatshirt has a rounded style drawstring at the neck, two front pockets, and fleece inside lining. Top sewn in label reads “HILL/ Made in USA”.
About 120,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Kid Pullover Hood Sweatshirt and Kid Zipper Sweatshirt with Hood.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Hill Sportswear Inc., Paramount, Calif.
- Various small retailers in California and Texas from 2003 to December 2008 for approximately $8.
- Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
CPSC received one report of a death involving a 3-year-old boy in Fresno, Calif. He was strangled when the drawstring on the hooded sweatshirt that he was wearing became stuck on a play ground set.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.