A 14-month-old girl has died after being left in a vehicle for about eight hours in New York, authorities said.
According to Suffolk County Police, Chyasia Evans’ grandmother, 54, forgot to drop her off at daycare on Monday and went to work, leaving the child in a car seat in the back on Long Island.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Forgotten toddler left in back seat of hot car dies.
Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>
About eight hours later, at about 4.20pm, the child was to be picked up from daycare, located on Redwood Lne in Smithtown, when the Greenlawn woman realised she had left the child in her vehicle, police said.
The toddler was taken to Saint Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown where she was pronounced dead.
Frantic rescue attempt of baby trapped in hot locked car
The death is under investigation and no criminal charges have been filed.
Stuffed toys and lit candles lined the parking spot in Smithtown late Tuesday where the girl died.
Her mother, Jessica Watkins, was clutching an Elmo toy in her arms during a vigil for the toddler.
“I know you’re going to be my guardian angel and I love you until we meet again,” Watkins said.
“I’m so defeated. I don’t know how to do this.”
The child’s aunt said the daycare never notified anyone that the child was not dropped off, which could have provided critical life-saving hours for the girl.
No one at the daycare could be reached Tuesday night.
Chyasia Evans died when her grandmother, 54, forgot to drop her off at daycare on Monday and went to work, leaving the child in a car seat in the back for eight hours. Credit: NBC
About 40 children die of heatstroke in the United States every year after being left or becoming trapped in a car, according to the US Department of Transportation.
The majority of cases happen when a parent or caregiver forgets that the child is in the car.
Monday’s high temperature in Smithtown was 83F (28C), but temperatures inside a car can reach much higher.
Mum of four dies after freak treadmill accident
Heartbreaking final photos of ‘best friends’ killed in crash
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings.
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.
