Tragedy struck on the campus of USI today.

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According to our media partner Eyewitness News, a child has passed away after being found in a hot car on USI's campus.  Vanderburgh County Sheriff says the parent of the child is a USI employee and the child was left in the backseat of the car.  The father found the child in the backseat this afternoon, and the 911 call came in around 1:45 PM.

Our hearts break for this family, and they are in our thoughts. We will keep you updated as we know more.

This is the 19th case of a child dying after being left in a hot car in 2019 alone. According to KidsandCars.org vehicular heatstroke averages about 38 deaths per year.

On average, 38 children die from heat-related deaths trapped inside vehicles every year. Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car; and the end result can be injury or even death.

KidsandCars.org is committed to help end accidental death by vehicular heatstroke, and they offer great resources on how to safeguard you and your family. They say education is key, and thinking it won't happen to you is the first mistake you can make.  Here's a few tips they share:

One solution is education. Parents and caregivers must know about how an overtaxed brain can fail. And childcare providers need to call—and not just leave a message—if the child does not show up at daycare as expected. Most important, drivers must get in the habit of checking the backseat every time they arrive at their destination: “Look before you lock.” One way to do this is to put their cellphone, handbag or employee badge in the back seat with the child to ensure they always open the back door when they arrive at their destination (read more).

The media briefing from the sheriffs office is below.

 

 

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