2-Year-Old Dies After Being Left In Hot Car By Daycare Staff Member

A 2-year-old boy has died after being left inside a car at a Memphis daycare center.

The child was found unresponsive inside the vehicle Thursday and was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, the Memphis Police Department said.

The boy was picked up by a staff member of the Education is the Key daycare facility in North Memphis. The staff member allegedly forgot the child in the back seat of her vehicle. She found the toddler inside the car when she returned after her work.

The child was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital but doctors declared him dead. Temperatures reached a near-record high of 91 degrees in Memphis on Thursday, local media outlets reported. With such high conditions, the internal heat of the car could be more than 130 degrees.

"I trust them but I don't know what happened it's a tragedy," said Daniel Smith, the boy's father, News 19 reported. "You don't suppose to forget no child. I can't even explain that."

Police said one person was detained in connection with the child's death. The identity of the person was not revealed. Authorities said an investigation was underway.

Many people in the neighborhood raised concerns and asked why the staff member did not follow protocols.

"It's a hard feeling. If it was my kid, I don't know what I'd do," said Ricky Nelson, a local resident. "You got a job like that you're supposed to take your job seriously."

It still remains unclear if the person detained will face charges in connection with the death of the 2-year-old.

A record 53 children die of vehicular heatstroke each year, according to the US Department of Transportation. At least 25 children lost their lives in 2020 after being left inside hot cars. Last year, 23 such deaths were reported.

Here are a few tips for keeping children safe:

1. Parents and caregivers must check inside before locking and leaving the vehicle.
2. Always lock your car doors and trunk as it is possible that children might get inside the vehicle.
3. Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down.
4. If you see a child alone, make sure he/she is safe or call 911 for help.