A five-month-old baby tragically died from heat exposure after reportedly being left in a hot vehicle by his father in Nebraska.
Authorities say the infant was found unresponsive inside a car parked outside Pacha Soap Co in south Hastings around 5pm on Monday. The father, identified as Jeremy Hansen, allegedly forgot his son was in the vehicle.
Officers from the Hastings Police Department and emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before rushing the child to Mary Lanning Healthcare, about five miles away. Unfortunately, the boy was pronounced dead upon arrival.
An initial investigation determined that the infant, whose name has not been released, died from extreme heat exposure.
Hastings recorded temperatures in the upper 90s that day, with much of Nebraska under a heat advisory, according to the National Weather Service.
Hansen, 36, was arrested later that evening and charged with negligent child abuse resulting in death.
“This is a heartbreaking incident and our hearts go out to the family, friends, first responders and all those affected by this unimaginable loss,” Hastings police said in a statement reported by NTV. “We extend our deepest condolences and are committed to supporting those impacted during this difficult time.”
In a mugshot released by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Hansen appeared visibly distraught, wearing glasses and a white T-shirt.
He is scheduled to appear in Adams County Court on Friday morning.
Despite the charges, community members have rallied in support of Hansen, raising over $33,000 for his family.
One of Hansen’s former schoolmates shared a message on social media, as reported by the Daily Mail, expressing sorrow over the public backlash.
“I’m so deeply saddened and disappointed to see the judgement that has been cast so easily,” the post read. “Imagine your greatest fear, your largest human moment… as a parent being put on display for everyone to judge, while simultaneously trying to even comprehend the events that led to your greatest loss.
“He doesn’t deserve this. His family doesn’t deserve this. No one deserves this. Like it’s been said before… how about we lift them up in prayer instead of tearing them down.”
This tragedy occurred just six days after a separate incident in Alabama, where a three-year-old boy died in a hot car after being left for more than five hours. In that case, the daycare driver allegedly left the child unattended while shopping for tobacco and food.
