Heatstroke Deaths of
Children in Vehicles
983 children have died in hot cars due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH) since 1998. All of these deaths could have been prevented.
Updated July 19, 2024
Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths, 2024: 14 •
Total number of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 2023: 29 •
Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 1998-present: 983 •
Average number PVH deaths per year: 37 •
Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths, 2024: 14 • Total number of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 2023: 29 • Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 1998-present: 983 • Average number PVH deaths per year: 37 •
Circumstances
An examination of media reports about the 968 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths for a 26-year period (1998 through 2023) shows the following circumstances:
52.17% - Forgotten by caregiver (505 children)
24.48% - Gained Access on their own (237)
20.66% - Knowingly left by caregiver (200)
2.69% - Unknown (26)
Ages
The children that have died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States (1998-2023) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years. More than half of the deaths (55%) are children under 2 years of age. Below are the percentage of total deaths and the number of deaths.
| # | Date | City | Temperature | Gender | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 7/17/2024 | East Hanover, NJ | 93 | Girl | 6 mo |
| 12 | 7/16/2024 | Monticello, NY | 91 | Boy | 2 yr |
| 11 | 7/15/2024 | Lakewood, NJ | 98 | Girl | 2 mo |
| 13 | 7/14/2024 | Fairfield, IL | 91 | Boy | 1 yr |
| 10 | 7/10/2024 | Omaha, NE | 88 | Boy | 5 yr |
| 9 | 7/9/2024 | Marana, AZ | 111 | Girl | 2 yr |
| 8 | 7/7/2024 | Jacksonville, AR | 93 | Boy | 2 yr |
| 7 | 7/3/2024 | Houston, TX | 95 | Girl | 4 yr |
| 6 | 7/2/2024 | Marietta, GA | 91 | Boy | 2 yr |
| 5 | 6/26/2024 | Charlotte, NC | 99 | Girl | 8 yr |
| 3 | 6/13/2024 | Santee, CA | 77 | Girl | 2 mo |
| 2 | 5/22/2024 | Morgantown, WV | 85 | Girl | 3 mo |
| 4 | 5/20/2024 | Bradenton, FL | 90 | Girl | 6 yr |
| 1 | 5/3/2024 | Columbia, SC | 88 | Girl | 3 yr |