Police: Infant's death likely an accident
By RYAN CHRISTNER
Police continue to gather information about the death of a 3-month-old child left inside a vehicle throughout Thursday morning and afternoon.
Ellis County Coroner Ward Newcomb is assisting with the investigation.
After making the proper notifications of family, Hays police this morning released the identity of the infant as Elle Runnion, the daughter of Brian and Eula Runnion of Hays.
At this point in time, the death is believed to simply be a "tragic accident," according to a release by the Hays Police Department.
Officers were notified about 3:20 p.m. by a parent of the child that she "had accidentally been left in a car seat inside a vehicle," the release said.
The child was pronounced dead following the arrival of emergency personnel.
Assistant Police Chief Phil Hartsfield said this morning the car had been parked along Cedar Street near 13th between businesses since approximately 7 or 8 a.m.
"All preliminary information gathered by the coroner and law enforcement suggests that the child's death was a tragic accident," the release said. "However, because this qualifies as an unattended death, the coroner and the Hays Police will follow established protocol to completely investigate the child's death."
So far, that has included the notification of Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees and preparations for the medical examination of the child's body.
Daina Hodges, outreach coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas, said it is important to remember these types of situations can happen to anyone.
"There's absolutely no typical family that is affected by these tragedies," she said.
To help reduce the number of heat-related fatalities, Safe Kids Kansas, a non-profit organization overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, suggests these tips for parents and caregivers:
* Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.
* Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open.
* Always lock a vehicle's doors and trunk -- especially at home. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children's reach.
* Place something that you'll need at your next stop -- such as a purse, a lunch, gym bag or briefcase -- on the floor of the back seat where the child is sitting. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
* Call parents when children do not show up at their normally scheduled time to day care.