Police in Florida say a 23-month-old boy passed away Monday after his father failed to drop him off at preschool.
According to the Plantation Police Department, the incident unfolded at A World of Discovery Academy in Plantation, off NW 4th Street. Officers, along with Plantation Fire Department, arrived at the scene at around 5:39 p.m. Monday afternoon.
First responders pronounced the child dead at the scene.
The school’s owner, Leslie Novoa, told 7News on Tuesday that she called 911 after the boy’s father found him inside the SUV.
“Unfortunately, the dad arrived to pick up his child, and when he arrived to the parking lot, he realized he forgot the child,” she said. “He never dropped off the child at the school.”
“I know the parent didn’t mean to … ’cause I’ve known them for six years. Like I said before, they’re a very loving family, and unfortunately, this happened.”
The father reportedly didn’t realize what happened until he learned his son had been marked absent.
“He opened the door, then slammed it shut,” Novoa said, according to the Sun Sentinel. “And he let out this scream.”
No arrests have been made in the case. The investigation continues.
According to national nonprofit agency Kids and Car Safety, there have been 23 confirmed child hot car deaths in the US this year. Five of the fatalities happened in Florida.
Check back for updates.
[Featured image: Pixabay]
