Wisconsin Toddler April Knight Dies Due to "Just Carelessness" While in Kentucky Says Grandmother
This is an update to the tragic story of the death of a toddler who was left in a hot car in Lexington. According to the Lexington Herald Leader, "The maternal grandmother of a 2-year-old girl who died Saturday after being left in a hot car said she hopes others will learn from her family's tragedy." She also said that "Just carelessness," led to the death of her granddaughter April Knight. "Maybe other parents will take heed."
April and her paternal grandparents — whose names authorities have not released — had spent Saturday at Jacobson Park. They returned to their home, 530 North Upper Street, to deal with an issue their 12-year-old daughter was having.
April Knight, 2, died Saturday after being left in a hot car.
The Hearld Leader offers the following "Tips for preventing tragedy"
Put something you'll need, such as your cell phone, purse, employee ID, lunch or briefcase, in the back seat.
Always open the back door of your vehicle when you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind.
Keep a large teddy bear in the car seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the bear in the front passenger seat as a reminder that the child is in the back.
Make arrangements with your day care or baby sitter that you will always call them if your child will not be there as scheduled. Ask them to phone you if your child doesn't show up when expected.
According to the maternal grandmother, who lives near April's paternal grandparents. "They took great care of her," Meekins said. "It was just something that happened."
According to the Herald, April is one of 13 children nationally who have died in hot vehicles so far this year. Since 1998, 427 children have died in the same manner, according to Jan Null, an adjunct professor of meteorology at San Francisco State University. In 51 percent of cases analyzed, the child was forgotten by a caregiver; children playing in an unattended vehicle accounted for 30 percent. According to Null's research, the temperature inside a car can rise 29 degrees in 20 minutes. The outside temperature in Lexington Saturday afternoon was 89 degrees.
Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones personal injury and wrongful death attorney Larry Jones says, "As indicated above, this happens far to often as we get distracted with the tasks of daily life. The tips for preventing tragedy are all very good suggestions. Let's hope this unfortunate incident helps save lives."
For more information about the rights of those injured or filled by the negligence of others, visit http://www.kentuckyinjurylaw.com/
