'Tragic accident': Fairfax County police say 5-year-old's car death was likely heat-related

Fairfax County police believe it was a 'terrible accident' after 5-year-old found dead in car

A child is dead after being found unresponsive in a vehicle in Fairfax County. Police say heat likely played a role.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - A child is dead after being found unresponsive in a vehicle in Fairfax County. Police say heat likely played a role.

Officers say it’s possible the five-year-old child was left inside the car for several hours. Police are not saying if the child was a boy or girl. However, FOX 5 has learned the child was rushed to the hospital by EMS but it was just too late.

Police got the call at around 3:30 p.m. about an unconscious child. When they arrived at the home in Springfield, first responders performed CPR and took the child to the hospital.

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Police say early in the day a parent drove the five-year-old and several young siblings home. They say the siblings got out of the vehicle but the five-year-old was left inside, strapped into a car seat.

The car was blocked off with crime scene tape and eventually towed from the home. Right now, officials say it appears to be a terrible accident.

"Our hearts break for this family," said Lt. John Lieb with the Fairfax County Police. "This is a tragedy and again our officers responded to what was reported as a tragic accident and at this point, there has been nothing in the very preliminary, early stages of our detective's investigation that would cause us to doubt that."

Police say an autopsy will be performed but it is likely heat played a role. The temperature in Springfield reached the mid-90s this afternoon. Police say it’s possible the child was left inside the car for several hours and they’re warning parents to stay aware.

"I would encourage anyone when operating a motor vehicle, especially with children, to avoid distractions at all times, set up a safety plan with you and your loved one or a childcare provider to make sure that there’s a system in place to avoid tragic cases like this, tragic circumstances that would result in a child being left behind," Lt. Lieb said.

Police say right now the family is understandably extremely distraught over this so they’re still waiting to get more details.