RIVERVIEW, Fla. (CBS12) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a young child after a tragic incident late Saturday night in Riverview.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:40 p.m. on June 20 to a home on Emerald Shore Drive following reports of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, authorities spoke with the child’s father, who said he had discovered his 3-year-old child unresponsive inside a parked vehicle at the residence.
Emergency responders transported the child to St. Joseph’s Hospital–South, where medical personnel later pronounced the child dead.
Officials have not released the child’s name. Authorities also have not indicated how long the child may have been inside the vehicle or the circumstances leading up to the discovery.
Sheriff Chad Chronister called the incident a devastating reminder of the dangers associated with vehicles in warm climates.
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“This tragedy underscores a critical danger that we must never take for granted,” Chronister said in a statement. “A vehicle can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. We urge every parent and caregiver in our community to make hot vehicle safety a priority.”
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a moment.”
Florida’s high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, can cause the interior of a car to heat rapidly, even if windows are cracked open. Safety advocates warn that children are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses in such conditions.
As of Monday, no charges have been filed, and detectives continue to investigate the case. Officials said additional details will be released as more information becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.