A Florida father is facing serious criminal charges after his 18-month-old son died in a hot car, where he was left alone for approximately three hours while his father reportedly visited a bar and a hair salon.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Scott Allen Gardner left his young son in a vehicle on the afternoon of June 6, when outdoor temperatures in Ormond Beach reached 92°F. Authorities say the child’s body temperature reached 111°F before he was found unresponsive.
Investigators say Gardner visited Hanky Panky’s Lounge and got a haircut during the time the child was left in the vehicle. Officials allege that he waited hours before contacting law enforcement to report the tragedy. When interviewed, Gardner reportedly gave conflicting statements to police.
Gardner was arrested two weeks later at his mother’s home. A video released by the sheriff’s office shows the moment officers took him into custody without incident. One of the arresting officers was the same officer who had attempted to resuscitate the toddler at the scene.
During the arrest, a family member was heard telling Gardner, “Scotty, I love you.” He responded, “Love you guys,” before one of the officers replied, “Say goodbye, because you’re not coming back here again.”
Gardner’s mother posted a public tribute to her grandson on Facebook, sharing photos of happier times and writing, “This is a challenging time for me and my family, but together we will find strength.” A fundraiser for the family has since been posted online.
Gardner is currently charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm. The sheriff’s office has stated more information will be released soon.
The Dangers of Hot Cars
Safety experts continue to warn parents and caregivers about the deadly risks of leaving children in vehicles — even for short periods or on seemingly mild days. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Heatstroke can begin when body temperature reaches 104°F, and death can occur once it reaches 107°F.
In 2024, 39 children in the U.S. died of heatstroke after being left in cars — a 35% increase from the previous year. Experts stress that rolling down windows or parking in the shade does not provide adequate protection. Roughly half of these tragedies happen when a parent forgets a child is in the back seat, often while the child is asleep.
Authorities urge parents to always check their vehicle before exiting, place reminders in the front seat, or use child detection systems to prevent these devastating accidents.
Other recent incidents include a father who left his daughter in a 109°F car while he played video games inside, and another where a family member tragically forgot to remove twin toddlers from a vehicle.
