The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is looking into a tragic incident involving a toddler who was discovered deceased outside a church.
As of Monday afternoon, the police have revealed that the child was left unattended in a vehicle parked at the church.
The authorities received a call at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, reporting an unresponsive child at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Preschool.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the toddler had tragically succumbed to the heat, according to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department.
Tonya Tator, the Public Information Officer for the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, urged parents to ensure their cars remain cool when children are inside.
It remains unclear whether this was an accidental occurrence, and no individuals are currently in custody, as reported by JBPD.
Investigators are currently conducting interviews with several individuals, and the investigation is ongoing.
First Coast News interviewed Tanner Bell, a resident in the neighborhood, who shared his perspective on the incident at the church. Bell’s daughter does not attend the school.
“Yea just found out about it and immediately I want to spend as much time as I can, and you never know. I just want to make sure that they’re safe. I’m going to spend the rest of the night with her.”
