LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ – A father from New Jersey may face additional charges due to the death of his 8-week-old daughter after leaving her in a hot car. Avraham Chaitovsky, 28, of Jackson Township, is currently charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Lakewood Township police received a call at 1:45 p.m. on Monday to respond an 8-week-old girl in cardiac arrest. The infant girl was found to have been in the vehicle since approximately 9:20 a.m. Despite immediate efforts, the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sweltering heat that day, with the heat index reaching 107 degrees in Lakewood Township, elevated the infant’s risk. Investigations concluded that the cause and manner of death resulted from the infant girl being left alone in her father’s car for a prolonged period amidst the perilous heat.
According to the national nonprofit organization KidsAndCars.org, this tragic incident brings the number of children who have died in hot cars across the U.S. for the present year to at least 11. Data from 1990 onwards shows a heartbreaking count of at least 1,095 children who have lost their lives in similar circumstances, with around 88% of those children being 3 years old or younger.
For anyone who spots a child left in a car, Amy Artuso from the National Safety Council highlights the urgency of acting immediately. Promoting awareness and caution, Artuso also advises parents to develop a habit of always checking the backseat before exiting their vehicles.