Toddler dies after
being left in parked car for 8 hours, police say
17-month-old boy died Friday after he was left for about eight
hours in a parked car, Pembroke Pines police said.
The car with the
child in it was in a hospital parking lot in the 2200 block of North
University Drive, south of Sheridan Street, when paramedics arrived about
5:06 p.m. and tried to resuscitate the little boy, said Sgt. Adam Feiner, a
spokesman for the agency.
“Regrettably, CPR life-saving efforts and
fire rescue transport did not prevent an unfortunate tragedy,” Feiner said.
The toddler was in the car for about eight hours after one of the
parents parked in the Memorial Hospital Pembroke parking lot and went to
work, police said.
The parents’ names were not released and the
investigation remains active.
Lawrence Hashish, a lawyer who has been
contacted by the family, said he spoke with police Friday night and was told
both parents had been questioned and released.
“We don’t know all the
facts yet,” he said.
Feiner emphasized how hot and deadly parked cars
can be.
“Leaving a child in a car is a yearlong hazard, but it is
especially deadly during the summer months when temperatures can climb above
100 degrees within minutes,” he said.
“Our prayers go out to the
family of the deceased during this difficult time,” Pembroke Pines police
said in a tweet. “We remind all parents and caregivers to always double
check your vehicles for loved ones and pets that you may accidentally leave
behind.”