A two-year-old girl has died after being left inside a parked car for more than three hours in the baking Florida heat, as police said prosecutors are reviewing whether criminal charges should be brought.
The tragedy unfolded in Hallandale Beach on Sunday while Brittany Nicole was being looked after by a paid babysitter, according to Local 10 News. The toddler was reportedly left inside a 2012 Honda Odyssey between about 9.30am and 1pm, as temperatures in the city climbed to around 92°F (33°C).
“Two-year-old Brittany Nicole died after being left in a hot car for three hours in Florida; no charges filed yet.”
Brittany was taken to hospital, although it is not clear who raised the alarm or transported her there. Hallandale Beach Police said officers were notified at about 1.35pm, but Brittany later died in hospital. Her official cause of death has not yet been released.
“The Broward State Attorney’s Office is reviewing the circumstances to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate, and the Department is awaiting the Medical Examiner’s final report,” the force said in a statement, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing and that prosecutors have not yet decided whether charges should be brought.
Brittany’s mother, Cristina Lopez, has questioned why no one has yet been charged. “I just want justice for my child,” she told Local 10. Lopez said she had never experienced any previous problems with the babysitter, who has not been publicly identified.
According to Local 10 News, Lopez claims the babysitter asked an older relative with dementia to care for Brittany instead. Those claims have not been confirmed by police, who say prosecutors are continuing to assess the evidence before making any decision on charges.
Lopez said she believed she had done everything right for her only child. Brittany had celebrated her second birthday in May, just weeks before the tragedy.
According to the US National Weather Service, children left inside hot vehicles can die within as little as ten minutes, depending on the conditions. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even on days that do not feel exceptionally hot.
Police Chief Michel Michel said: “This tragedy has touched our entire community. While nothing can undo the pain this family is experiencing, our hearts remain with the child’s family.”
He urged carers to adopt a simple routine before leaving their vehicles: “We hope this child’s story inspires every caregiver to adopt one simple habit: always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle. Taking one extra moment could prevent another family from experiencing this unimaginable loss.”
