Florida baby dies after being left in hot van for hours

7-week-old placed in rear-facing car seat after church, deputies say

(cylonka Bsg/SXC)

MARY ESTHER, Fla. – A 7-week-old Florida baby died Sunday night after being left in a hot van for eight hours, authorities said.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said dispatchers received a 911 call around 9:30 p.m. after the baby was discovered inside a van at a family member's home in Mary Esther.

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A family member was not aware the child's mother had placed the baby in a rear-facing car seat inside the vehicle after church, deputies said.

The National Weather Service said Sunday's maximum heat index was 104 degrees.

Deputies said it is unclear if anyone will face charges. 

The death marks the 18th child who has died this year from heat stroke in a vehicle. 

 


About the Author

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.

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