Hot Car Deaths and Injuries Surge Across U.S.

A Greensboro mother, Jayla J. Branch, had her child abuse charge upgraded to a class B felony after leaving her 14-month-old strapped in a hot car while at work; the child survived with severe injuries. This incident comes amid a national surge, with five babies dying in hot cars across the U.S. in the past eight days and at least 1,137 child fatalities since 1990. Recent fatalities include 4-year-old Kameron Williams in Metter, Georgia, and a 5-year-old boy in Mansfield, Ohio, both during periods of extreme heat. Authorities note most hot car deaths involve children aged 3 or younger, typically resulting from caregivers unintentionally leaving them behind. Investigations into these recent cases are ongoing as officials and advocacy groups stress the importance of prevention and safety measures. Communities continue to mourn the losses and call for increased vigilance, especially during heatwaves and holiday weekends.