Heatstroke Deaths of
Children in Vehicles
1041 children have died in hot cars due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH) since 1998. All of these deaths could have been prevented.
Updated March 29, 2026
Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths, 2025: 31 •
Total number of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 2024: 39 •
Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 1998-present: 1041•
Average number PVH deaths per year: 37 •
Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths, 2025: 31 • Total number of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 2024: 39 • Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 1998-present: 1041• Average number PVH deaths per year: 37 •
A deep dive into circumstances and statistics behind hot car child deaths. (PDF)
Monthly Statistics
Statistics by State
Circumstances
An examination of media reports about the 1041 Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH) deaths for a 28-year period (1998 through 2025) shows the following circumstances:
52.9% - Forgotten by caregiver (531 children)
23.8% - Gained Access on their own (248)
21.9% - Knowingly left by caregiver (228)
1.3% - Unknown (14)
Ages
The children that have died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States (1998-2025) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years. More than half of the deaths (54%) are children under 2 years of age. Below are the percentages of total deaths and the number of deaths.
