Devastating Hot Car Tragedy in Maggie Valley Claims Lives of 2 Toddlers
Maggie Valley, NC — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Maggie Valley on Friday when two toddlers were found dead inside a hot car, according to local authorities. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the children, both under the age of three, were discovered unresponsive in a vehicle parked outside a private residence during the early afternoon hours.
Emergency responders were called to the scene around 2:30 p.m. after a distress call was made. Despite life-saving efforts, both children were pronounced dead at the scene. Temperatures in the area had soared into the high 80s, with the interior of the vehicle likely reaching well over 100 degrees.
Officials have not yet released the names of the children or details about how long they had been inside the vehicle. An investigation is currently underway, with authorities questioning the adults responsible for their care. No arrests have been made as of Saturday morning.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” said Sheriff Bill Wilke. “We ask the community to keep the family in their thoughts as we continue our investigation.”
The incident has reignited concerns over child safety during warm weather months. According to the nonprofit Kids and Car Safety, an average of 38 children die each year in the U.S. from heatstroke after being left in vehicles.
Authorities urge all caregivers to take extra precautions, reminding the public that even a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal for young children.
The investigation remains ongoing.
