3-year-old girl dies from heatstroke after her mother, who had several empty alcohol bottles beside her, passed out in the overheated vehicle; mother arrested
California – In a heartbreaking incident that has captured the attention of California residents, a 41-year-old mother, identified as S. Hernandez faces serious charges following the death of her 3-year-old daughter, identified only as Ily, who succumbed to heatstroke after being left in a swelteringly hot car. This tragic event unfolded on a scorching day where local temperatures soared to 104 degrees, shedding light on the dangers of vehicle-related heat exposure.
On Friday afternoon, Ily was discovered unresponsive in a locked vehicle. The toddler was alongside her mother, who was found passed out with empty alcohol bottles inside the vehicle. A family member who stumbled upon this distressing scene managed to extract the child from the car and immediately sought medical help. Despite the rapid response of paramedics who rushed her to the hospital, Ily was tragically pronounced dead.
Police Sgt. M. Sutter detailed that Hernandez has been booked on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect. Initial findings at the scene included several alcohol bottles in the car, although it was not immediately confirmed if Hernandez was under the influence at the time of the incident. The precise duration that Hernandez and her daughter spent in the car before being found remains unclear, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
An autopsy was promptly ordered to determine the exact cause of Ily’s death, with preliminary results suggesting complications from a severe heatstroke. Following her medical evaluation, Hernandez was taken into custody, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the impending legal proceedings she faces.
The tragedy resonates deeply with Ily’s father, J. Ruiz, who is no stranger to loss. According to reports, Ruiz endured the devastating death of his two young sons in 2012, victims of a drunk-driving accident while camping. The current status of his relationship with Hernandez was not specified, but the impact of this event on Ruiz is profound.
Ruiz’s cousin, expressed the family’s sorrow, emphasizing how Ily was adored by her father. “Ily was his princess, his daughter. He loves his kids. That’s what he lives for,” the cousin said. The family is rallying around Ruiz as he confronts this immense grief for a second time.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been set up to cover the funeral expenses and support Ruiz’s relocation to California from Texas to care for his remaining son, and secure employment. The campaign aims to raise $25,000, with over $17,330 already contributed by compassionate community members.
This incident serves as a grave reminder of the dangers posed by leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly during hot weather. According to the National Safety Council, the U.S. has seen 31 child hot car deaths in 2024 alone, underscoring the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect the most vulnerable from similar fates.
