Mother forgot toddler in hot car, police say after tragedy

Police confirmed Saturday that a 17-month-old boy died in a parked car after his mother forgot he was there.

She drove to work Friday, parked in the 2200 block of N. University Drive near Memorial Hospital Pembroke and left the boy in a child safety car seat for eight hours.

The names of the boy and his parents were not disclosed by police or their lawyer and it was unclear whether any charges would be filed in the case.

“There is no known timeline for the completion of our agency’s investigation,” said Sgt. Adam Feiner.

Paramedics were called to the parking lot about 5 p.m. Friday and tried to resuscitate the little boy, said Feiner.

“Regrettably, CPR life-saving efforts and fire rescue transport did not prevent an unfortunate tragedy,” he said.

Before this death, 23 children had died in hot cars in the U.S. so far this year, according to KidsAndCars.org.

On average, 37 children die each year in the U.S. due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke, according to a National Safety Council study that also recorded 42 child deaths in 2017.

“Members of our community are reminded that leaving a child inside a car is a year-long hazard, but it is especially deadly during the summer months when temperatures can climb above 100 degrees within minutes,” Feiner said, in a statement. “Always double check your vehicle after you park for loved ones or pets.”

Lawrence Hashish, the family’s lawyer, indicated this was a tragic accident and not irresponsible or intentional.

“She’s a good mother,” he said. “She’s very family-oriented and very involved in the church.”

Hashish said the mother went to church Friday night.

“She has a lot of family, friends and church members helping her cope and counsel her,” he said.

Police were also providing services to the family.

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