Toddler dies tragically in car
(CNS): A three-year-old child died in a car Saturday afternoon and an investigation into the incident is underway, police have confirmed, though they say there are no suspicious circumstances. CNS understands that the girl was left for an unknown period of time in the family vehicle outside her home and may have been overcome by the heat. Police said family liaison offers were working closely with the grieving family but could not give further details at this time.
Category: Headline News
My family and I mourn with you. We love you all and Sweet Gracie too. May all of God’s blessings be with you know. I know you have sweet and fond memories that will never leave your heart. May the love of your friends and family comfort you in some small way. You will remain in my prayers.
All you people blame it on parents and you dont even know what happened and why she was in the car etc ….come on! im sure parents are going through hell right now and im sure they didnt want this to happenend but people let the God judge it because we will all go in front of the God one day and he will judge all of us ….
WE LOVE YOU GRACIE !
GOD BLESS FAMILY!
REST IN PEACE LIL ANGEL …. We love you and you always going to be remembered by many of us …. LOVE A.F and L.L. =""(
May God be with family and J.S. we love you buddy
I have now read many of the comments posted and in the most i feel people are using this to vent their own personal view points with limited regard for the family and what they are going through.
This is not a matter of fault – no-one determines when someone’s time is up – and NO one should feel the need to bang on about fault or blame. At this point i doubt very much the family are even giving god a second thought.
We should ALL be trying to support the family not pushing OUR own beliefs on them.
REST IN PEACE GRACIE
I totally agree…to our beautiful Gracie, we love you and we will miss you…we are here to support each other and you will be in our hearts always…god bless you little angel.
Why have none of the other local newspapers reported this? Also, the public needs to know the details…how long was this child left in the car? How can we not let this happen again? Tuck your cell phone under a sleeping child, put your handbag at their feet, ANYTHING to remind you that a sleeping child is still in the car….the poor mom must be distraught, but let’s try to campaign to LEARN from this. Be alert and look out for others if we can. Call 911 and shame any parent that leaves a child in a car to run inside on an errand.
CNS: I do certainly hope that all parents of young children take note, but the parents of this child must be suffering unimaginably right now. Whatever happened they deserve our compassion.
To this beautiful little family we want to express our heart felt sympathies from our family to yours. We will be praying for you and may the grace of God be with you and the rest of your lovely family now and forever. We will miss her very much also.
Sleep well little angel. xoxo
I’m so sad to read of this tragedy – not being a parent I cannot imagine the unbearable pain that both parents must be feeling and I’m sure the parent that left the child in the car will be scarred by this for the rest of their life..
I hope that the community rallies behind this family and doesn’t judge too harshly – please remember that this could happen to any one of us – even if you don’t have children of your own you may have nieces or nephews. Please let this be a lesson to us all.
My thoughts are with the family.
I hope that the back and forth regarding personal religious beliefs ceases for the sake of the family. Please people, you must know that at some point, if not already, the family will read this article, however painful it might be. Whether you fancy yourself a spiritual person or not, please recognise that a tragedy has taken place and this should not be the place for commentary aside from that offering support/prayers/thoughts/condolences to this family and/or friends during this difficult time. A child has been lostfrom our community, and we would be best served to come together around grieving for the loss rather than bicker over providence, the afterlife, and all else. Whether you agree with the personal beliefs/faith of someone else posting or not, why don’t we try to recognise that far more important to this family is knowing that the entire community, religious or otherwise, are offering them comfort after their tragic loss.
To the family, I offer you my greatest sympathies for the loss of your child. I hope that you know that while you mourn, we all mourn with you. We don’t know what your child may have become, but we know our community will forever be less than what it could have been for lacking their presence. I hope that time will come to heal the wounds you must be feeling now.
My friend, the best thing you could have done to cease the "back and forth" in this thread was to post your condolences to the family and move on. Instead you’re trying to cleanse the public voice with your self righteous accusations of "bickering" which is in itself: more bickering. This is a public forum, not a personal message board for the family. We as a society ALL need to learn from this, and if this situation brings up discussion about God – then so be it. I have read and posted a few comments here already, and even in the case of the person questioning God, I do not see the discussion as bickering. If the family does read this, they may actually be comforted to know that this conversation is going on (I do hope it remains civil). If not, it’s real easy to navigate to another website or turn off the computer.
To my friend below who questioned "If there is a God why did he not help the toddler?", I would love to sit down and talk to you about your questions regarding God’s ‘actions’ here on earth. Your question is very pertinent to this and all tragic situations if you are seeking real answers. Without getting too into it, and keeping in mind the sensitivity of this news story, let me first tell you that God cares tremendously for us all and mourns when we mourn.
I’m not clear by your comments and questions whether you’re seeking to know God’s heart, to prove/disprove his existence, or to simply stir up trouble; however, I will share this with you: It’s not the laws of God that will save us (God has a lot to say about the treatment of children by the way), but his grace alone. Perhaps you already know that no one (believer or non-believer) could ever possibly answer your question as to why God didn’t just save this child. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and his knowledge and wisdom far exceeds anything we could ever imagine.
If you have already made your choice to never believe then why waste your time asking why other’s believe? Surely there are a lot more fun things to do for someone who doesn’t believe in God? Or are you that much of a loser that you need to hi-jack a sensitive thread like this to get your kicks? Sorry, that was mean and un-Godly. Did I mention that I’m not perfect?
On the other hand, if perhaps some part of you is truly seeking – keep it up! Might I suggest though, that you not investigate God’s existence by jumping off cliffs or walking in front of buses in hopes that God will reach out and save you. It would be far less painful to pick up that old boring bible and scan a few verses from time to time, or go sit in some long drawn out church service until your stomach is screaming with hunger because the preacher won’t quit. Trust me, it ain’t easy but the funny thing is – every time I drag myself to read or worship my belief grows stronger. Whether it’s your first step or you’ve been hobbling into church for 80 years, it comes down one thing – faith. That first step is up to You.
AMEN! Well said! Thank you God!!
We all have to take certain calculated risks with regards to our little ones (do I leave them alone in the bath to get the towels? Have I hidden the kitchen knives high enough up? Will I let them take the school bus? Can they go swimming with friends? Can they go for a cycle ride without me?).
How horrific for the family.
This is really sad, but you know what god has took his angel home.
This is a sad story, and lessons should be learnt from this. Little children are so precious, from the moment that they are born and months laterwhen you look at them grow you see how god is good. Because of his grace he will see you through this as parents. I know wright now in heaven that the angels are celebrating because another angel has being taken home. my god comfort you and in this time.
DAWN
The problem with Atheists and Agnostics, is that they are limited by what they ‘know’, and are therefore unable to embrace what cannot be explained by their limited knowledge. Remember, we once ‘knew’ that the Earth was flat, while a few (Columbus ring a bell?) BELIEVED otherwise.
Humanity, with all of its Technological and Scientific advances, CANNOT explain Life. We know it exists, it is all around us. Inumerable examples exist, yet we are not able to understand its existance, much less re-create it. We can’t even restore life to something or someone that once had it.
We do not understand the ‘why’ of this tragedy, but that this child lived at all, even briefly, is a Testament to the wonderous power of a GOD who gives life to all creatures, even those who would chose not to believe.
May GOD bless you and may his light shine upon you.
It’s interesting that you use the example of people once believing that the earth was flat. You, are of course correct, people did belive that. When scientists began to question it in the 1500s the Christian church reacted with fury. Gallileo spent years imprisoned for heresy. In fact the church did not officialy pardon him until 1992! As most rational people know it’s hard to have a fruitful discussion with someone who believes in a talking snake…
Ok people let’s NOT get into a heated religious debt with this Atheist! Let him believe as he feels because at the end of it all we all have to answer to God and whether or not people want to belive that HE exists, I chose to believe that he does! So I know when judgement day comes I know what side of the line I will be on. Besides, God is more concerned with your soul than with your human body. So make sure your heart and soul are right with God! And those who chose to believe he doesn’t exist, then that’s your choice. I believe there is a God and I pity the non-believers!
What a terrible tragedy, condolences to the family.
Well my dear friend on judgement day you will know whether or not there is a GOD! In the meantime, I will pray an extra prayer to HIM for you each night for your soul!God bless the family and help them through this terrible time.
It seems as if some people don’t know who god really is. Not Everthiny you want in life comes to you as you would like it to come. That is how god works when you pray to him. Sometimes he comes through for you at the same time and they are other times he take a little longer , but when he comes through it is always the right time. We have to trust in god and don’t question his doing.
To the last person that wrote that message about God.
I don’t think that was relevant at all to the problem at hand.
I can’t believe your comment about the reason God can’t exist. God is all loving and it probably broke his heart to watch the little girl (a child of God) die in such a horrific way. But that does not prove that he is not all caring or all loving. God has given us a choice to live as we please. Albeit that sometimes we chose differently than what he would want for us. But if God intervened there, where would our choice be? What annoys me is people who wish to live there life as they please and then blame God when something goes wrong. I bet you never thank God when something goes well for you, but I’m sure you curse his name when something doesn’t go your way. It’s not fair to take the rainbow without the rain.
I’m sorry but your argument for God not existing is faulted. XXXX
ah, but can you honestly say, with absolute certainty, without a shred of doubt, that He was not there with the child? For all you know, He was there to give comfort and love to the child and waited with the child until the last moment to receive his spirit and cuddle him in His bossom to bring him to his heavenly home where he would be properly taken cared of.
The problem with Atheists and Agnostics, is that they are so negative and ignorant. Why would you even ask something so stupid? Do you realize that YOU are alive TODAY because the GRACE of GOD?
Of course God could have done something to safe that little girl, but we are nobody to question GOD and why he allowed something bad like this to happen.
Don’t you have a family? Aren’t you scare for them after posting something like this? I would suggest that you say a couple of prayers but then again you don’t believe in GOD so why waste your time right?
Don’t worry I will pray for you so that GOD can have merci on your soul on Judgement day.
You need Jesus in your life.
Sad and Tragic for ALL involved. When a young child is lost under such circumstances, it affects the entire community, and our Prayers go out to the parents and immediate family members.
As a civilized nation, we must not allow the lessons of such tragedy to be lost, for such a price to be paid is too high.
Where are the Laws to protect children form circumstances that leave them in dangerous situations, where they are unable to fend for themselves?
I am NOT speaking directly to this tragedy (for we do not as yet know the details), but rather, as previous commentators have said, to the Traffic Law that requires children to be seated in the rear, and seated in child-seats & safety-belts? It’s been what, 3 years in the making?
How many times a week do we see children unsecured in moving vehicles? In the front seat (Airbags WILL kill a small child in the front seat)? Hanging out of the windows, while the parent talks away on a cellphone, oblivious as to what is happening in the vehicle?
Unfortunately, it take Laws to make most persons to sit-up and think about the consequences of their actions.
May GOD be with this family at this terrible time in their lives.
Is there a lesson in this tragedy? Can we educate in the schools? can we spread the word loud and clear – "No child can remain in a car alone …EVER" !! I pray for this family who not suffers…, but what about the little life that will never know the joys of growing up? While this is painful and so hard for people to talk about in public, this child should be made an example of and no matter how ashamed the family is, they need to come forward and start the campaign to educate the Cayman population. Any person seeing a child of any age alone in a car should call 911 and the police need to arrest caregivers and parents for negligence and make examples of them!.
As the mother of a 3 year old daughter, I know that there are no words to heal this hurt the family must be feeling. My deepest condolences and my prayers go out to family.
such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Cannot imagine the horror and grief they are going through. May God comfort them and give them the strength to endure this terrible time.
What an awful story, just heartbreaking. I believe this kind of accident is more common in hot countries than people realise though – overheating happens remarkably quickly.
However, when I first saw this headline, I assumed it was related to a child not being strapped in. Countless times a day I see children – even babies! – NOT in car seats, not even wearing seatbelts. Do people really care so little about their kids they can’t even be bothered to strap them in? Especially on these mad roads. It astounds me everytime – more deaths simply waiting to happen. Please use a car seat, it will save your child’s life.
Truly heartbreaking…I truly feel for this family and know my hurt is only a small fraction of what they are feeling.
I hear the case of people not remembering the child due to being quiet or asleep. A recommedation to prevent this is when puting your child in the car, place something like your purse in the back seat or the child’s toy in a front seat to remind you someone more important is is the back seat.
Although this is not the case with this family, I would like to make a plea for something I notice alot here that we dont hear more stories like this. I see so many times kids being left in cars outside grocery stores, schools etc. Please dont do this to your children. In just 10 mins the inside of a car can rise by 20 degrees compared to outside. Cayman is extremely hot so I would assume that rise in temperture could be as much as 30 degrees, dark interior and dash make it worse, cracking windows dont work making the inside of a car as hot 120 maybe hotter in 10 mins, the human body experiences heat stroke effects at about 107.
It’s better to deal with rude behaviour in the supermarket than the tragic consequence of leaving your child in the car.
May God bless this family. I couldn’t imagine the agony that they must be going through.
I am praying for you all.
In regards to this tragedy of a 3 yr. old child’s unfortunate, preventable and untimely death, I am truly saddened and frustrated.
I hope readers that see this are moved to appreciate that I am not saying what consequence or action should happen to any party involved, before all the facts are found, but I am saying that we need to be vigilant; we all need to be held accountable for the well being of our children and if neglect is a cause of direct harm or death, we are held accountable.
While I have limited knowledge on this matter, other than what I’ve read and the posts that have come after, I am in a state of shock!
With personal observation and a life spent on this island with many different ages of children around me and in my care- It is never OK to leave a young child unsupervised in a vehicle for any reason or length of time, it is never OK to let our children "play" alone in/around cars, etc… (And I am coming from a perspective that knows that we can’t always be everywhere for everything and that when growing up, when raising a child etc… accidents happen)
My heart goes out to the lttle girl who lost her life before she could live it.
I hurt for them as well. Peace be with you.
My heart goes out to the family. I pray the lord will comfort them in the days come. I have a daughter and i cannot imagine the magnitude of pain they must feel!
God Bless
May you all be comforted with the presence of GOD during this very tragic time.
I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a child. My heart and prayers go out to the family at this most difficult time.
Really really Sad…condolences, love, and prayers to the grieving family. There is forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please find a place in your heart to forgive yourselves, cause i know that is the hardest thing to do, but you must forgive yourselves. God Bless and Keep You.
As a mother of three, I can only imagine the overwhelming pain and distress these parents will be suffering and my heart goes out to them. The circumstances of their loss are utterly tragic and I sincerely hope that they will receive support from the community and be allowed to grieve in peace. With deepest sympathy.
In this family’s case it seemed to have been an accident.
However we have parents out there leaving children in the cars.
I remembered last year December I stopped at the pharmacy on Walkers road I came out to find a little boy strapped in his car seat by himself in the car next to mine. It was a hot morning and the child was sweating.
I stayed with the child until the mother came back. When I said to her that she should not leave her child like this she told me to mind my own business and leave her alone.
I was sorry I didn’t follow my mind and call the police.
We have to be very careful with our children
Your experience was like mine at Hurley’s in June 2009 with the little girl left in a hot car, strapped to her seat and crying….DO CALL 911. I also like the idea of keeping your handbag next to a sleeping child so that there isnever a chance to "forget" a child (or pet) in a car. Heat kills in a matter of mere minutes here and we all should keep our eyes out to spot these cases beofre another death occurs.
My heart goes out to the family. Poor child…
My heartfelt sympathies go out to this family. Friends, they need your support through prayers and visits. Let us as parents be vigilant, recognising that these things creep up on us when we least expect them to.
As a parent I cannot begin to imagine the loss this Mother has suffured, but with hearts of compassion we can extend comfort and love, to help her through these moments.
May God’s grace continue to sustain you and your family as you grieve together.
My heart goes out to the family at this .May the comfort of God help you durning this difficult time.
As the father of two young children, regardless of the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss, my heart goes out to this family. My wife usually did the toting around of kids (we’re fortunate enough to be a two car family) and on the occassions that I’d have one or both kids I always worried about forgetting they were in the car because they were so quiet! In fact, I was meeting my wife and eldest child (3) at a restaurant one day after leaving work and picking up my younger child (6 months) from daycare. 6 month was sound asleep when I got to the restaurant and I made it to the restaurant door before I was paralyzed with the realization I’d forgotten my passenger in the car! I never made that mistake again and luckily the kids got a lot noisier as they got older! I hope no one comes on here passing judgement on this family. We do not know the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and a matter like this should not become fodder for speculation or the premature furtherance of children’s causes. I’m not sharing my story to boast that "I got lucky" but to show support for this family as that one brief ‘paralyzing moment’ that I experienced is now a moment that they will live with for the rest of their lives. May God’s grace shine upon them and give them peace.
I feel ill… poor little angel. My heart goes out to the family.
I concur that, as a parent, to lose a child, especially in accidental circumstances such as this is one’s worst fear. My heartfelt condolences to the family concerned in their hour of grief.
My heart is with the family. So sad…..I’m a mother of 2 and can not even begin to imagine the pain. Such innocence…..
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to this family who mourns the loss of their child.
Is really sad to hear that something like this happen, im a mother of 4 and i really cant see my self in this condition.
May god be with the family.
God Bless!
Sounds like a very tragic accident. I have a 4 year old. I can’t even imagine the pain.
God Blessings to the entire family.
My heart is with the family, as a Mother of two (ages 4 and 2) I cannot even begin to understand what the mother is feeling now. Precious life
I think a few weeks (months) ago there was incident like this with a woman leaving her child in the car as she went to Hurleys to shop. Another customer noticed the child and phoned 911. however when police arrive the child mother did around the same time.
Parents (PLEASE) take care of your kids first then yourself when it comes to safety.
It was me who phoned 911 at Hurley’s in June. The Net News did a follow up and wrote a story about the incident. It shook me up so much that I did not sleep well for over a week.
This is so very tragic and I feel for the family. Please remember that our weather does not allow seconds, let alone minutes to leave a child or a pet in the car. Running the A/C is not an answer either (cars stall and it is just simply not a safe practice).
I am so very sad that this happened. I’m going to go an hug our five year old and pray for the family’s loss.
P.Webster