A 3-year-old Alabama boy died on Sunday after he was reportedly found in a hot car outside his family’s home.
Johnathan Milam, known as LJ, of Holly Pond, was rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at Regional Medical Center.
“We obviously can confirm there was an incident involving a small child, but it appears to be a tragic accident,” Cullman County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Whaley said on Thursday. “We’re in the early stages of the investigation.”
No charges have been filed in the death of the toddler, WVTM reported.
Officials are investigating how long he was in the vehicle and have released no further details.
“It is still under investigation,” Whaley said. “We’re hoping that once the investigation has concluded that we’ll be able to provide more information.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help his parents and older sister navigate such a horrific time. As of Friday it had surpassed its goal of $5,000.
‘Sweet little boy’
Fundraiser organizer Ciera Myrick described LJ as a “sweet little boy,” adding: “We appreciate any and all prayers at this time and the days coming.”
A temperature of 91 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded on Sunday in Birmingham, which is about 50 miles south of Holly Pond, according to National Weather Service data.
The incident marked the first “vehicular heat stroke death” of a child in Alabama this year, according to The New York Post, citing National Weather Service officials.
Johnathan is the 17th child to die in a hot car this year in the U.S., according to KidsandCars.org.
My heart goes out to the family of this little boy after such a terrible tragedy. Rest in peace little one.
Please share to remind all parents and carers to always check the back seat of their car before leaving, know where their child is at all times and keep cars locked when not in use.
