In a heartbreaking case that has gripped Florida and sparked national outrage, a toddler dies in hot car after his father allegedly spent hours at a barbershop and a local bar. Eighteen-month-old Sebastian Gardner died after his father, Scott Allen Gardner, 33, left him in a parked vehicle as temperatures soared to 92°F (33°C). Authorities say this was a completely preventable tragedy.
The tragedy unfolded in Ormond Beach on June 6, 2025. Investigators say Gardner left his son inside the vehicle, then got a haircut and drank at Hanky Panky’s Lounge for several hours. By the time he returned to the truck, Sebastian had suffered fatal heatstroke with an estimated body temperature of 111°F (43.8°C). The case has reignited urgent conversations about child safety and heat-related deaths during summer.
A Deadly Afternoon Unfolds
Gardner arrived at the lounge with Sebastian around 12pm. Instead of bringing his son inside or arranging care, he left him locked inside the truck with the engine off. Investigators stated that the windows were slighting open and the father had set up a small fan for the toddler, which unfotunately did not help.
Witnesses watched Gardner first arrive at Classic Cuts to have a hair cut. He then went across the road to Hanky Panky’s Lounge, order drinks, and socialized without showing any urgency. He stayed there for almost three hours, while the child was left in the car.
Gardner returned to the truck and drove a short distance to his Mother’s house, where he proceeded to call 911. Authorities belive that Sebastian may have been dead for about 2 hours before his father alerted the police.
Emergency Efforts Fail to Save the Child
First responders rushed to the scene and immediately performed CPR. Despite their efforts, they could not revive Sebastian. Paramedics pronounced him dead on site.
The medical examiner confirmed that Sebastian had died from extreme heatstroke. His body temperature had reached a deadly 111°F. This preventable death underscores how quickly temperatures inside vehicles can rise. On a 92°F day, a car’s interior can exceed 120°F in minutes.
Young children overheat faster than adults. That makes them especially vulnerable to the extreme conditions when left inside a vehicle.
Police Arrest Gardner and File Charges
On June 19, law enforcement officers arrested Gardner at his mother’s home. They charged him with aggravated manslaughter of a child, and child neglect causing great bodily harm. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
Gardner told investigators he forgot his toddler son was left in the vehicle. However, video footage and witness accounts contradicted his story. They described him as calm and drinking freely during his time inside the bar.
Police took Gardner to the Volusia County Jail, where he remains without bond. The investigation is ongoing.
These Tragedies Keep Happening
This case is not an isolated event. Every year, hot car incidents kill an average of 38 children in the U.S., according to KidsAndCars.org and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some cases happen when a parent forgets. Others, like this one, result from reckless choices.
The scenario of a toddler left in a vehicle continues to play out nationwide. Many parents misjudge how quickly a car heats up or how long they’ll be away. But even 10 minutes in a sealed car can prove deadly.
Child safety experts urge parents to adopt simple precautions. Place your phone or bag in the backseat. Set an alarm. Use car features designed to alert you if a child remains in the rear seat.
Community Grieves and Demands Accountability
Sebastian’s death has devastated the Ormond Beach community. Residents left flowers, toys, and candles outside the bar and near Gardner’s home. Many expressed shock and anger at how the tragedy happened.
“You wouldn’t even leave a dog in a hot car. How could anyone do that to a child?” one neighbor asked.
Local officials responded by urging vigilance. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reminded caregivers to check their vehicles every time and never assume a child is safe alone in a car.
A Harsh Lesson That Must Lead to Change
As Gardner awaits trial, the case continues to serve as a painful wake-up call. Once again, a toddler dies in hot car, and once again, a life ends far too soon. These deaths are entirely preventable, yet they continue to occur.
This case should push forward public discussion around improved safety features, tougher penalties for negligence, and better education for caregivers. Lawmakers and communities must act now before another child suffers the same fate.
Sebastian’s story is heartbreaking, but it must not be forgotten. It has the power to spark change and save lives. That may be the only good that can come from such a devastating loss.
Read More: Father Charged With Murder After Leaving Daughter in Hot Car Takes Vacation to Hawaii
