5-Year-Old Mansfield Boy Dies After Being Left in Hot Car for Hours
A 5-year-old boy has tragically died after being left inside his mother’s vehicle for nearly nine hours on a scorching summer day. Authorities were called to a parking lot on Marion Avenue around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, where they found the child unresponsive in his mother’s arms.
Investigators report that the child had likely been left in the vehicle since 6:30 a.m., as outdoor temperatures soared to 91°F. The boy was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Educators and caregivers in the Mansfield area are devastated. Olivia Kidd, a kindergarten teacher and daycare worker who knew the boy, described him as “a sweet, funny, and loving child who brought joy to every room he entered.”
“He told me he loved me every single day,” Kidd said. “It is heartbreaking. I will remember him at every T-ball game, every school event — everything.”
Child safety advocates are using this tragedy to remind parents and caregivers about the life-threatening dangers of hot cars. According to Kids and Car Safety, this incident marks the ninth hot car death in the U.S. this year.
Safety Tips for Parents & Caregivers During Hot Weather:
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.
- Place visual cues like a diaper bag or toy in the front seat.
- Always open the back door after parking — even if you think it is empty.
- Keep essentials (phone, purse, laptop) in the back seat as a reminder.
- Ask daycare providers to alert you if your child has not arrived on time.
- Clearly confirm with others who is responsible for removing each child from the vehicle.
Lt. Nicholas Davis of the Columbus Division of Fire emphasized:
“Even a quick errand can turn deadly in extreme heat. A few minutes can be fatal for a child in a hot car.”
Police are continuing to investigate. Prosecutors will determine whether charges will be filed once all facts are reviewed.
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