Florida – In a shocking incident in Florida, a 33-year-old father, identified as S. Gardner, is now facing criminal charges after his 1-year-old son was found dead inside a scorching vehicle. Authorities said that Gardner left his young son alone inside a hot truck for more than three hours while he went to get a haircut and later visited a local bar to drink.
Gardner was arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect, according to the sheriff’s office. The child’s internal body temperature reportedly reached 111 degrees Fahrenheit by the time first responders arrived, well beyond survivable limits. The tragic incident took place on June 6, when Gardner left his son inside his vehicle while he was getting a haircut and then visiting a local bar. The outside temperature that day was 92°F, a dangerously high condition for anyone—let alone an infant inside a sealed vehicle.
Detectives say Gardner first went for a haircut, then parked outside the bar and drank for hours while his son remained strapped in a car seat. Authorities note that during the investigation, Gardner gave multiple false accounts of what had occurred that day, attempting to mislead both law enforcement and the public. One neighbor even reported that Gardner claimed his child had died of a fever, not exposure.
First responders rushed to the scene when the child was found unresponsive, but despite life-saving efforts, they were unable to revive the toddler. The medical team recorded his body temperature at a shocking 111 degrees—a clear indicator of hyperthermia caused by extended exposure to extreme heat inside a vehicle. Gardner was apprehended later that evening at his mother’s home. He was booked into the county jail and is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
In the immediate aftermath of the young boy’s death, family members launched a GoFundMe campaign, gathering donations for funeral expenses. The campaign, which raised over $2,800 before it was taken down, included a message mourning the child’s sudden passing and asked for prayers and support for the family. The fundraiser has since been shut down, though it’s unclear whether the decision came from the family or from GoFundMe, which has strict policies prohibiting campaigns that raise money for individuals facing criminal charges. The family described the toddler as a “bright light” who will “forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
The young boy’s heartbreaking death adds to a growing national crisis. According to Kids and Car Safety, nearly 40 children died in hot car incidents last year alone, with eight deaths already reported in 2025. The organization highlights that almost 90 percent of these fatalities involve children under the age of three. While some cases stem from forgetfulness, this particular tragedy appears to involve conscious negligence. “Even just a few minutes in a parked car can be fatal to a child,” the advocacy group warns. They urge parents and caregivers to create daily routines that prevent such tragedies—such as placing a diaper bag in the front seat or always checking the back seat when exiting a vehicle.
Gardner’s actions have not only devastated his family but also sparked community outrage. As of now, he awaits his next court appearance, and if convicted, could face substantial prison time for the death of his son. The 18-month-old boy’s death serves as a grim reminder of how quickly negligence can turn into tragedy—especially during the summer months when cars can become ovens in a matter of minutes.
