Hastings, NE — A five-month-old infant tragically died after being left inside a hot car in triple-digit temperatures, and the child’s father, Jeremy Hansen, 36, has been arrested and charged in connection with the death, according to local authorities.
Incident Unfolds on Scorching July Afternoon
Emergency responders were called to a parking lot in Hastings around 5 p.m. on Monday, where they found the unresponsive infant inside a vehicle, according to reports. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A preliminary investigation determined that the child died of extreme heat exposure.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in southern Nebraska reached approximately 105°F at the time of the incident.
Father Arrested and Charged
Later that evening, Hastings Police arrested Jeremy Hansen. He now faces a felony charge of negligent child abuse resulting in death. On Tuesday, the Adams County District Attorney’s Office formally filed charges, and Hansen is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday.
It’s currently unclear whether Hansen has retained legal representation or entered a plea.
Authorities and Community React to Tragic Loss
In a public statement issued by local officials and first responders, the tragedy was described as “heartbreaking and unimaginable.”
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends, first responders and all those affected by this unimaginable loss,” officials stated, as reported by NTV.
Hot Car Deaths a National Concern
According to the nonprofit Kids and Car Safety, Nebraska has seen five child deaths in hot vehicles between 1999 and 2024. Nationally, an average of 40 children die each year from heatstroke after being left in or trapped inside cars.
The National Weather Service emphasized in a statement that hot days like this occur every summer but remain extremely dangerous for children, pets, and those without access to air conditioning.
Resources and Prevention
Child safety advocates urge parents and caregivers to:
- Always check the back seat before exiting a vehicle.
- Set up reminders on smartphones or place items like a purse or phone in the back seat.
- Use technology such as car seat alarms or apps that send alerts if a child is left behind.
How You Can Help Prevent Future Tragedies
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is confidential, toll-free, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Your Voice Matters
What more can be done to prevent child hot car deaths? Join the discussion now at NewYorkDailyGazette.com and share your ideas for protecting children from preventable tragedies.
