August 9th, 2004

Barlett, TN - An 18-month-old girl has been pronounced dead after being left in a hot car in Bartlett. Authorities were called to the scene in the Central North Church parking lot at 1:53 this afternoon. The child was apparently left in the sweltering car at the corner of Barlett Boulevard and Yale Road since 8 a.m. this morning. Other reports estimate the child was left in the car since 11 a.m.

The child was originally taken to Methodist North in extremely critical condition. Around 3 p.m. hospital officials confirmed the infant had died.

Authorities have put crime scene tape around the car in the church parking lot. Witnesses at the scene say the child's father worked at the church. 

Church officials emphasize that this was a case of an individual leaving their child in their own car and had nothing to do with the day care located at the church.

Authorities say the temperature in the car was between 116-124 degrees.