A 2-year-old girl has died after her father left her in a hot car in Arizona, where residents are enduring triple-digit temperatures, according to authorities.
The father was running errands with his daughter, and when he returned home Tuesday afternoon, he allegedly knowingly left the 2-year-old in the car, Marana Police Capt. Tim Brunenkant told ABC News.
He left the car running and the air conditioning on, Brunenkant said.
The dad went into the house, and when he returned to the car between 30 and 60 minutes later, the car was off, Brunenkant said.
The 2-year-old was unresponsive and the dad called 911, Brunenkant said. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said.
The temperature in Marana reached a scorching 111 degrees on Tuesday. Marana is just outside of Tucson, where an excessive heat warning has been issued.
Brunenkant called the death a “heat-related tragedy.”
No charges have been filed at this time but charges have not been ruled out, Brunenkant said Wednesday.
Interviews are underway and police are looking for surveillance video in the neighborhood, he said.
At least nine children have died in hot cars across the U.S. so far this year, according to national nonprofit KidsAndCars.org.
Since 1990, at least 1,093 children have died in hot cars — and about 88% of those kids are 3 years old or younger, according to KidsAndCars.org.
Click here for hot car safety tips to keep in mind this summer.
Tragedy struck in Arizona when a 2-year-old girl lost her life after being left in a car during triple-digit heat by her father. The heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially in extreme temperatures.
According to police reports, the father had forgotten to drop off his daughter at daycare before heading to work on that fateful day. The toddler was left in the car for several hours as temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. By the time the father realized his mistake and rushed back to the vehicle, it was too late. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but sadly, the child could not be saved.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of being vigilant when it comes to the safety of children in hot weather. Even on relatively mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting young children at risk of heatstroke and death. It only takes a few minutes for a child left in a hot car to suffer from heat-related illnesses, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to always double-check the backseat before leaving their vehicle.
In response to this heartbreaking event, authorities are urging parents to take extra precautions when it comes to the safety of their children. Simple steps such as placing a reminder in the front seat, keeping a stuffed animal in the car seat when it’s empty, or setting up alerts on your phone can help prevent these tragic accidents from happening.
Furthermore, it is essential for parents to educate themselves on the risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles and to always be mindful of their whereabouts. The consequences of forgetting a child in a car can be devastating, and no parent should have to experience the pain of losing a child in such a preventable way.
As we mourn the loss of this young life, let us use this tragedy as a wake-up call to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. Let us all work together to raise awareness about the dangers of hot cars and ensure that no more lives are lost due to negligence and forgetfulness.
