Toddler dies in hot automobile

VANCLEAVE -- A 22-month-old baby boy, Tyler Madison Wages, was found dead in a family member's car in Vancleave about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jackson County Coroner Vicki Broadus said.

An autopsy revealed the infant died of hyperthermia, Broadus said.

Broadus said it was not clear how the baby got into the car, which was parked in direct sunlight. She said the victim was apparently in the car for "a prolonged time."

"It was very, very hot," Broadus said. "We need to caution parents how important it is to watch their children. Even though it's September, it's still hot; it doesn't take long."

The recorded high Sunday was 86 degrees.

The incident is being investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. No charges have been filed.

"At this time it seems to be a terrible accident," Broadus said.