On Tuesday, August 7, a three-month-old baby boy in Houston tragically lost his life after being left in a car during an intense heatwave, according to local authorities. 

The incident occurred at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD when a mother arrived with her two children. While she entered the building with her four-year-old, she left her infant unattended in the vehicle, as reported by the Houston Police Department.

Upon her return to the car with the intention to leave, the mother discovered her baby unresponsive. The duration of the child’s exposure to the extreme temperatures and the intent behind this incident remain uncertain, as stated by law enforcement.

Emergency services responded promptly, arriving at the scene after a 911 call. Despite their efforts, the infant was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Houston Police Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir emphasized the preventable nature of the incident and highlighted the risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles during extreme heat. He urged extreme caution, especially for infants and young children, as their bodies are more susceptible to rapid increases in body temperature.

Authorities await the results of an autopsy conducted by the Harris County medical examiner to determine the precise cause of death. Depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation, charges could potentially be brought. Both parents are fully cooperating with detectives, as reported by Chief Bashir.

As much of Texas grapples with a relentless heatwave, warnings of soaring temperatures prevail across the Southern United States. Meteorologists forecasted a heat index value of 108 degrees Fahrenheit in Houston, while regions spanning from Texas to Florida are bracing for heat index values of around 110 degrees. Unseasonably high temperatures are expected to persist through mid-August, intensifying concerns.