A tragic event has shocked the community of Hastings, Nebraska, after a five-month-old baby died from being left in a hot car by his father, who reportedly forgot the child was there.
The incident happened on Monday, July 28. The baby was discovered unresponsive inside a vehicle parked outside Pacha Soap Co, where the father, Jeremy Hansen, had gone. Emergency teams arrived around 5pm and attempted to revive the infant before rushing him to Mary Lanning Healthcare, about five miles away. Sadly, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigators believe the baby died from extreme heat exposure. The temperature in Hastings that day reached the upper 90s Fahrenheit, and a heat advisory was in effect for much of the state.
Hansen, 36, was arrested later that same day. He has been charged with negligent child abuse resulting in death. He is expected to appear in Adams County Court on Friday, August 1.
The Hastings Police Department released a statement expressing their sorrow:
“This is a heartbreaking incident and our hearts go out to the family, friends, first responders and all those affected by this unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest condolences and are committed to supporting those impacted during this difficult time.”
Photos of Hansen show him appearing deeply upset, wearing glasses and a white T-shirt in his booking photo.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, many in the community are standing by the family. Over $33,000 has been raised in support of Hansen and his loved ones. A former classmate shared a heartfelt message online, urging people not to judge the father too quickly:
“Imagine your greatest fear, your worst moment as a parent, being on display for everyone to judge, while you’re still trying to make sense of the loss. He doesn’t deserve this. No one does. We should lift them up in prayer instead of tearing them down.”
This tragedy comes just days after another similar case in Alabama, where a three-year-old boy died after being left in a hot car for over five hours by a daycare driver. That driver allegedly left the child while going shopping.
These painful reminders highlight how quickly a hot car can become deadly for children, even on a seemingly ordinary day.
