Investigation Underway After 17-Month-Old Dies in Hot Car Near Fort Myers, Florida
Florida recorded its fifth hot car death of the year on Tuesday, serving as a reminder of the dangers of leaving young children in a vehicle. Here is a look at the latest statistics.
Florida Leads Nation in Child Hot Car Deaths
A 17-month-old girl died on Tuesday after being left inside a hot vehicle in Fort Myers, Florida. The tragedy that unfolded in the southwestern part of the state is the fifth child hot car death reported in Florida this year. According to Kids and Car Safety, the case marked the 14th child hot car death in the U.S. in 2026.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the investigation into the death began at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The toddler was found in a vehicle at 7806 College Parkway, outside of a local church. Law enforcement officials have not released information about how long the girl was inside the vehicle or why she was left alone, saying that it was still an active investigation.
According to local weather observations, the temperatures at nearby Page Field in Fort Myers hit a top reading of 91 degrees on Tuesday afternoon. However, the high humidity levels sent the real feel temperatures past the century mark.
Florida is distinguished for having more than one-third of the child hot car deaths in the U.S. thus far this year. The first incident happened on March 31 in Winter Haven. Since then, similar tragedies occurred in Riverview on June 20, Plantation on June 29, and Hallandale Beach on July 5.
Child safety advocates warn that young people are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat. The body temperatures of children increase three to five times faster than what adults may experience, putting them at a greater risk of experiencing heat stroke in a matter of minutes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges parents to always check the vehicle before leaving. It is a good practice to put personal items such as a purse or phone in the backseat to serve as a reminder to check the backseat. Parents and caregivers should also ask daycare providers to call if a child does not arrive during the typical time.
It goes without saying that you should call 911 immediately if you notice a child alone in a vehicle.
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