Florida toddler dies after father realizes child was left in SUV during daycare pickup

A 23-month-old Florida boy was found dead Monday inside an SUV outside A World of Discovery Academy after his father mistakenly believed he had dropped him off at daycare, authorities said.

The Plantation Police Department and Plantation Fire Department responded at approximately 5:39 p.m. Monday to a report of an unresponsive child inside a vehicle at the early childhood education center.

Firefighters pronounced the child dead at the scene.

Leslie Novoa, the owner of A World of Discovery Academy, told WSVN-TV she called 911 alongside the toddler's father after the child was discovered in the back seat of the family's SUV.

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"This is hard for the parents, hard for us," Novoa told the station. "This is sad to see this family – a wonderful family – to go through so much pain."

Novoa said the father arrived at the daycare to pick up his son before realizing the child had never been dropped off.

"Unfortunately, the dad arrived to pick up his child, and when he arrived to the parking lot, he realized he forgot the child," she said. "He never dropped off the child at the school."

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Novoa said she has known the family for six years and described them as loving parents whose three children attended the daycare.

"Like I said before, they’re a very loving family, and unfortunately, this happened," Novoa said.

The daycare later released a statement expressing condolences and pledging support for the family.

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"Our primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students and their families," the daycare wrote.

"We communicated with our school community as soon as possible, and we remain in contact with our families to provide support during this incredibly difficult time," it continued. "This student and their family are beloved members of our community. At this time, our focus is on supporting those grieving this immense loss."

According to Kids and Car Safety, formerly KidsAndCars.org, about 40 children die in hot cars each year in the United States. The organization says roughly half of those deaths occur after a parent or caregiver unintentionally leaves a child inside a vehicle.

Plantation police said the circumstances surrounding the child's death remain under investigation.