PLANTATION, FLA. (WSVN) – Heartbreaking new details are coming to light one day after a boy was found dead inside an SUV outside an early childhood education center in Plantation, and they shine a spotlight on hot car deaths and what experts say parents can do to avoid these tragedies.
Speaking with 7News on Tuesday, Leslie Novoa, the owner of A World of Discovery Academy, said she called 911 when she, alongside the toddler’s father, discovered a 23-month-old in the back seat of the father’s car, Monday afternoon.
Plantation Police said officers and fire crews arrived at the scene shortly after 5:30 p.m., but it was too late. First responders pronounced the child dead.
“This is hard for the parents, hard for us,” said Novoa. “This is sad to see this family, a wonderful family, to go through so much pain.”
Novoa said it quickly became clear what had happened.
“Unfortunately, the dad arrived to pick up his child, and when he arrived to the parking lot, he realized he forgot the child,” she said. “He never dropped off the child at the school.”
Novoa said the family has been with her for years. This was their third child at the school, and she is heartbroken by this situation.
“I know the parent didn’t mean to … ’cause I’ve known them for six years,” she said. “Like I said before, they’re a very loving family, and unfortunately, this happened.”
On Monday, crime scene tape stretched across the parking lot of the day care as investigators focused on a black SUV. Investigators put up a tent around the vehicle as they pieced together what happened.
Detectives and crime scene investigators spent hours at the scene gathering evidence.
Now parents at the preschool and others are praying for the community, while also regarding this tragedy as a grim reminder to ensure their children are safe.
“Driving, making sure that they drop off the children at school, double checking the back chair always,” said Novoa. “You know, it’s just to make sure that they did the right thing.”
“I could not fathom having to be in those shoes, to be honest,” said a woman who asked not to be identified or show her face on camera.
“I’m speechless. That’s definitely heartbreaking, and I’m hoping that family and definitely the staff – I know, as a community, you know, the family members are affected,” said a parent.
KidsandCars.org, an organization dedicated to educating families and helping prevent these tragic deaths, says roughly 40 children die inside of hot cars each year — half of those being mistakenly left inside by parents or caregivers.
Experts say carrying a simple reminder, such as a stuffed animal, can help parents from getting distracted.
“Bring that stuffed animal to the front and place it in your lap while driving. Now you have a physical and visual cue that the child is still in the car,” said Chloe Burke for KidsandCars.org. “Other strategies include leaving a shoe in the back or a personal ID that you need to get in to your office or something of that nature.”
“Unfortunately, with technology, you know, warning you, unfortunately, I know how hectic and busy people can be these days, but obviously, there’s no excuse, but it’s heartbreaking nonetheless,” said the parent who spoke with 7News. “Don’t know what’s going on in parents’ minds.”
Meanwhile, a family in Plantation has been forever changed by what’s seemingly happened by mistake.
“Always try to remember that the children are in the back. I mean, I know this happened unfortunately, I know the parent didn’t mean to,” said Novoa.
Detectives have not specified how the child died, how long he was in the SUV or what led up to the tragedy.
As for the day care, they released a lengthy statement sharing their grief over the loss of one of their students and detailing the events that led up to the discovery while offering support to the heartbroken family:
“Our primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students and their families. We communicated with our school community as soon as possible, and we remain in contact with our families to provide support during this incredibly difficult time. This student and their family are beloved members of our community. At this time, our focus is on supporting those grieving this immense loss. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and their need to mourn, we are unable to share further details and respectfully request that the media and the public extend the same discretion and compassion.”
The day care also said they will be fully cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation.
As of Wednesday morning, police have not specified whether or not anyone will face charges. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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