3-month-old boy dies after being left in car in Phoenix

Kelsey Hess, The Republic | azcentral.com

A 3-month-old child died Saturday after he was left inside a car for several hours, officials said Monday.

Phoenix police and fire personnel were called to Abundant Life Church on Saturday afternoon after the child was discovered to have been left in a car for 3 hours.

Police said Haden Nelson was left in the car by a family friend who was attending the church for choir practice. Haden's mother was already at the church for practice and was scheduled to meet up with the friend, police said.

Haden and his mother had spent the night with the family friend, but the mother needed to arrive at the church early, leaving Haden in the friend's care, police said.

The friend, a 27-year-old male, arrived at the church with two additional children but left Haden behind, police said.

At nearly 2 p.m., once choir practice ended, the mother searched for her baby, who could not be found. She then found the child still inside of the vehicle, which was about 96 degrees, officials said.

The child, who was not breathing when Phoenix police and fire crews arrived at the church at 1914 E. Roeser Road, was transported to a hospital. The suspect was released, and the Marciopa County Attorney's Office is now reviewing the investigation.