One Mistake Can Turn Deadly During Alabama Summers

As temperatures continue to climb across Alabama, safety advocates are reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children inside vehicles after a heartbreaking tragedy in Tuscaloosa County.

According to a Facebook post from James Spann, a one year old child was found deceased inside a vehicle in Brookwood on May 20. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported the child was discovered still strapped into a car seat after being left inside the vehicle for an extended period of time.

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According to the Sheriff’s Office, the high temperature in Tuscaloosa reached 90 degrees that day.

The investigation found the child had been in the sole care of the father, who reportedly believed the child was sleeping inside the home. Authorities say the father later admitted to drinking alcohol throughout the day. Following consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, the father was charged with manslaughter.

While investigators continue to determine the exact cause of death, the tragedy is serving as a painful reminder that hot vehicles can become deadly in a matter of minutes.

Recently, Safe Kids Tuscaloosa Executive Director Charlene Durr spoke with Townsquare Media about summer safety and stressed the importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles.

Safety experts say vehicle temperatures can rise rapidly even when outside temperatures seem manageable. A child’s body also heats up much faster than an adult’s, making them especially vulnerable to heat related illness and death.

Safe Kids recommends parents place a purse, briefcase, phone, or another essential item in the back seat as a reminder to check before locking the vehicle. Parents are also encouraged to make it a habit to always open the back door after arriving at their destination.

If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately.

Check out the full post from James Spann below:

INFANT HOT CAR DEATH: From Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office:

Yesterday (5.20.26) at approximately 5:00pm Brookwood Police, Tuscaloosa Sheriff’s Office Deputy Paramedics, Brookwood Fire, and Northstar Ambulance were dispatched to a residence in the 11000 block of Stone Ridge Court inside Brookwood City Limits.

Family reported that a one-year-old infant had been found deceased in a vehicle, still strapped in its car seat. The Violent Crimes Unit responded to assume the investigation. It was determined that the child had been in the sole care of its father all day. The father admitted to drinking at different times throughout the day and leaving the residence at one time to purchase more alcohol.

The father reported that he believed that the child had been sleeping in its crib and must have accidentally been left behind in the vehicle. Initial investigation shows that the child was in the vehicle for an extended about of time, and it should be noted that the high in Tuscaloosa yesterday was 90. The exact cause of death will be determined by Medical Examiner’s Office.

After consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, the father was charged with Manslaughter and committed to jail with no bond under Aniah’s Law. The suspect was identified as: Logan Keith Chewning, age 30.