Parents of baby who died in hot car say their 'hearts will never heal'
The family of a six-month-old baby who died after being left in a hot car, allegedly by her father, has said they are 'heartbroken' and their 'hearts will never heal'.
The young baby named Fern was reportedly found unconscious in the family van on Tuesday afternoon in Texas.
Her father, Michael Thedford, has been charged with manslaughter.
Authorities were called to the family home which is located about 40 miles north of Dallas at about 1:30 p.m, CBS reports.
An arrest affidavit reveals Michael Thedford put his baby into the refrigerator "for an undetermined length of time" before calling 911, according to FOX4.
He reportedly told authorities she was “hot as a brick”.
He had arrived home and went to sleep after he dropped his other two children at child care but the six-month-old was not able to attend care after having a fever the day before, according to the affidavit.
It is claimed that around three hours had passed by the time the father discovered her.
WFAA reports the 33-year-old says a change in routine led him to forget his young daughter in the car.
US media outlets say the temperature had reached about 32 degrees that afternoon.
A statement has been released through the family's attorney, with Michael and Jennifer Thedford saying: "We are heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful baby girl. We love our children. We love Fern, and our hearts will never heal."
A criminal attorney, Todd Shapiro, told FOX4 he thinks based on the facts of this case he thinks the father has been overcharged.
"It looks like he tried to do CPR to resuscitate her to no avail, so it sounds like his actions were very much as a parent that was living out their very worst nightmare." Todd Shapiro said.
A person who lives across the street, Fabiola Contreras, saw authorities arrive.
“They were asking the mother a few questions and she looked like she was crying. She was devastated. So was he, he would hug her and cry as well,” Fabiola Contreras said.
Ms Contreras also said the 33-year-old appeared to use a Mickey Mouse doll to reenact the events for investigators.
Mr Thedford posted a $20,000 bond and was released from jail.
