Authorities in Tennessee have reported the tragic death of a 7-month-old infant who was discovered in a hot vehicle. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when police were alerted to an unresponsive baby found inside a car parked at the Monterey Library, as stated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.
Preliminary findings suggest that the infant may have been left inside the locked car for several hours with the engine off and windows closed, according to the sheriff’s office.
On the day of the incident, temperatures in Monterey reached 81 degrees Fahrenheit, a location situated approximately 90 miles east of Nashville.
Investigations are currently underway, as confirmed by the sheriff’s department.
In a statement, Sheriff Eddie Farris expressed his sorrow, calling the situation “a devastating tragedy.” He urged the public to be vigilant as temperatures rise, emphasizing, “Please take a moment and always check your vehicles. A simple check can save a child’s life.”
This incident marks the second hot car fatality reported in the United States this year, according to the nonprofit organization KidsAndCars.org. Since 1990, the organization has documented at least 1,172 deaths of children in hot vehicles across the country.
