Following a missing person report, 3-year-old found dead in hot car in Columbia
A 3-year-old was found dead inside a hot car in northeast Columbia.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department reported that around 1 p.m. Friday, deputies responded to a missing person report in the 1000 block of Parliament Lake Drive, in the Windsor Estate subdivision near Dentsville.
While investigating, deputies discovered the child in “a hot vehicle,” according to a statement from the department.
“Deputies rendered aid while transporting the child to a local hospital,” according to the statement. The child died at the hospital.
The child was identified by the Richland County Coroner’s Office as Armani Shoemaker of Columbia.
“Our hearts are broken by the life of Armani being cut short by this unexpected tragedy. Losing a child is one of the most unimaginable situations that can happen and our thoughts and prayers go out to this family,” Coroner Naida Rutherford said. “We will continue working with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to fully investigate this incident.”
On Friday, temperatures in Columbia nearly reached 90 degrees.
A spokesperson for the Richland County Coroner’s Office said that the case was still being investigated.
This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
This story was originally published May 3, 2024 at 4:42 PM.
