Baby dies in Angwin after being left in car

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Saturday, May 19, 2007

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

Napa County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of 10-month-old baby girl left inside a vehicle in Angwin on Friday afternoon.

As of Friday evening, little information was available about the baby’s death.

Around 4 p.m., deputies and firefighters responded to a medical aid in the 300 block of College Avenue.

When they arrived on scene, the baby had been taken inside the residence, sheriff’s Sgt. Doug Pace said.

The baby was not breathing, Pace said.

“The mother and several family members were doing CPR on the baby. They continued CPR for about 30 minutes,” he said.

The baby was taken to St. Helena Hospital by ambulance, where she was pronounced dead, Pace said.

“The baby had been left in the car,” he said. “I don’t know if the College Avenue residence is where the family lives. The parents are the ones who called 911.”

Pace said as of Friday evening no one had been arrested.

“We are trying to determine if the baby was forgotten in the car. It’s very early to make any firm statements,” Pace said.

65 comment(s)

wow wrote on May 19, 2007 1:04 AM:

" How can you forget a baby in the car? why would you leave a baby in a car? no matter what! My kids are never left alone! "

Senseless wrote on May 19, 2007 5:24 AM:

" What a terrible tragedy. "

Seen this before wrote on May 19, 2007 6:10 AM:

" A few years ago I was at BV Market, we were parking and we noticed a kid in the car. Apon further inspection there was a baby seat too. When we came back out a woman was standing in the window sheilding the baby from the direct sunlight, and the older boy was out of the car because he said he was too hot. By older I mean he was around 5. The worst part of all is that the mother walked out of the store wearing a nurses uniform. When we asked her what the heck she was doing, she said "well I was coming right back" Some people Ug! "

A NAPA VALLEY MOMMY wrote on May 19, 2007 6:26 AM:

" MAY GOD BLESS THIS SWEET BABY GIRL. "

Timmy aka "The Fonz" wrote on May 19, 2007 6:31 AM:

" Where was the baby's mother or father or both of the parents there for the baby. The parents or 1 of the parents, eaither the mother or father should be charged for murder and nyglect for letting their daughter suffer in the back seat of a car, if I was the father of the baby, I would leave it with my family or my wife(if I was married for a example) or my wife's family (if I was married for a example) to watch my kid until I get home and see and hold her. Shame on the parents or whoever left their own daughter suffer in the car. If I was the judge in this case, 1 or both of the parents are guilty for their rule of making their baby girl die in the car, not safe at all. "

wow wrote on May 19, 2007 10:58 AM:

" how can you forget your baby in the car? "

Laura wrote on May 19, 2007 11:05 AM:

" That poor little baby. A few years ago, this happened over in Healdsburg. I hope this gets a thorough investigation. "

Mom of 3 wrote on May 19, 2007 2:47 PM:

" What was a 10 month old baby doing left in a car???????????? "

Suzanne wrote on May 19, 2007 3:24 PM:

" It's hard to believe that this is still happening. It is unacceptable to leave children unattended where they can die, be kidnapped, abused, molested, drown--oh what the heck, choose your own despicable carnage. Another sad, but preventable tragedy. "

momtoo wrote on May 19, 2007 4:17 PM:

" what a tragedy.This is such a heartbraking thing, my thoughts are with this family. I hope something good might possibly come of this. As summer approaches everyone must be reminded of the dangers of children and cars! "

Timmy aka "The Fonz" wrote on May 19, 2007 4:55 PM:

" Shame on the adult or (s) that left their 10 month old infant daughter in the hot car on a regular sunny day in the first place? The parent or (s) should've taken the baby to a relative's house before going to college for the relative or relatives to watch tbe baby instead of leaving it inside the car. If the baby was my daughter for a example, I would take it to my mom's, so my mom & dad can keep an eye on my daughter for me instead of leaving it inside the car. So please give the person or persons a big ticket for what they did. "

momof2 wrote on May 19, 2007 6:31 PM:

" I wrote a letter to the editor 5 years ago about my co-workers and I finding 3 kids under 5 alone in a car on a hot day. We got the older one to open the door, we called the police & CPS, 2 two older ones (5 & 2) gulped down the water and I unswaddled (!) the one-month old baby to cool her off, just as their mom came walking up..."I was only gone for a minute." Those children could have been gone "in a minute." Like I pleaded 5 years ago, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR KIDS ALONE IN THE CAR. I am so sorry for this family. "

so sad wrote on May 19, 2007 7:13 PM:

" Please, please be careful about what you post here. We do not know all the details. This was a horrible accident. No parent should have to face this. While we might wonder we cannot doubt the love we have for our children. My heart goes out to these parents and the loss of their child. Please do not add to their heavy load by posting cruel comments. "

Common sense wrote on May 19, 2007 7:25 PM:

" This is a good reminder to all the parents that have little ones. DO NOT BE LAZY, take your child with you at all times. Do not leave them behind even if you are at your own drive way. UNLOAD YOUR CHILD FIRST AND SECURE HIM/HER INTO A PLAYPEN OR CRIB, LET THEM CRY THEY WILL GET OVER IT, THEN UNLOAD YOUR GROCERIES OR SHOPPING GOODIES NEXT....Common sense. I just live down the street from them and I will always be thinking about this. How sad, I hope they find peace and comfort...........May she rest in peace. "

A Friend wrote on May 19, 2007 7:43 PM:

" This family needs our prayers especially at this time. "

Carl wrote on May 19, 2007 9:03 PM:

" How about all of you save judgement of this family until a real investigation is done and we have more details? Shame on you for putting judgement on this family without having a clue what really happened!!! "

Tim M wrote on May 19, 2007 9:06 PM:

" Thank you to "momtoo" for your understanding of this young family and their unspeakable pain. To the others: You are assuming too much, and your opinions are arrogant. How about a response like, "How can we help?" "

Judge not wrote on May 19, 2007 10:32 PM:

" We don't know the whole story. It's pitiful that you can judge the parents when the paper doesn't even have all the facts. Oh I'm sorry the NVR never gets anything wrong, do they?! "

Angwin Parent wrote on May 19, 2007 10:35 PM:

" My heart goes out to the family of this child. As we don't know details and even if we do, I think it's more important and productive to pray for this family rather than for us to pass judgement. And to the Fonz, there's a huge difference between neglect (not nyglect) and forget. As an Angwin community, we need to show that we can be supportive of those who deal with tragedies like this. "

ese wrote on May 19, 2007 11:49 PM:

" this story was posted that the baby was left in the car without any evidence of that actually being the case exept for heresay from the cop on duty. i have heard differently from a good source, and to jump to judgement in this particular case is wrong. neglect in any case is intolerable, but in this case please hear the facts before jumping to blame the parents. it is very likely that the baby died of SIDS. "

danielle wrote on May 20, 2007 12:35 AM:

" The paper makes it sound like a crime..but as I know it..there has been little investigation. Maybe she had a bee sting? Why kill the mom when they haven't even gotten to the cause of death????? If she was wrong..then go after her..you are only responding to what the paper wrote..not what the police report says. I love children, and am the first to criticize but seriously..the event happened like two minutes before the press could print it. Wait to see the facts first! "

Steve wrote on May 20, 2007 1:00 AM:

" How dare anyone rush to judgement about this tragedy. All that has been reported really tells us nothing. What we do know is that there is a hurting family reeling from the loss of a much loved child. Enough of the court of public opinion who thinks they know something when in reality they know nothing.Where did it say the baby was forgotten? Wait until all the reports are in. Unless you were there keep your judgemental comments to yourself. This family would do nothing to jeprodize the saftey of their baby. Ever. "

Power in Prayer wrote on May 20, 2007 2:05 AM:

" I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. I cannot imagine the pain the family and friends are going through. You are all in my prayers. May God give you the peace and comfort only He can give. "

Judge Not... wrote on May 20, 2007 2:39 AM:

" It's easy for you people to say "I would never...." or "If this had been my child, If I was this person or I would have done.... (Lame timmy aka "Not really the Fonz)" Of course no loving parent would intentionally leave their child in a car if they thought harm would come to their child as a result. This seems to be nothing more than a tragic accident and we should all be praying for the family, not judging them. No parent should have to bury their children. How about a little human decency, get down off your high horses long enough to show some respect and mourn for the loss of their precious angel. "

a student wrote on May 20, 2007 11:03 AM:

" Until further information is disseminated from the public authorities, we need to withold passing judgement and basing assumptions on little to no factual information. What purposeful outcome does speculating have? None. Really the details of this incident is nobody's damn business. I sincerely hope that the Angwin community, the College and others will allow this tragedy to become an opportunity to be drawn closer as a "family" rather than as a bunch of finger-pointing hypocrites. This already very devastating and horrific incident is painful beyond measure to the parents, family and friends of the baby, let's be respectful of them at this time and give them chance to mourn as "Judge-Not" wrote previously... "

Thoughts & Prayers wrote on May 20, 2007 11:28 AM:

" So sorry for this terrible loss. Rest easy sweet Angel. "

rosie wrote on May 20, 2007 6:56 PM:

" I am saddened to read of yet another child's death due to a responsible parties neglect. What is so important that one ignores the fragility of life? The punishment for the unfortunate "resonsible party" will be to live with this loss for a lifetime. What a waste. "

a healthcare provider wrote on May 20, 2007 8:32 PM:

" What happened to honoring HIPAA? Patient confidentiality? For all the emergency responders and "student" and professional healthcare trainees who responded to this incident on location and in the hospital STOP perpetuating gossip and respect confidentiality. Keep your mouths shut. It's certainly amazing how many people have "credible and "good" sources: your source should never have disclosed such confidential information to begin with, which is probably in direct violation of federal and state codes/laws/ethics... "

PUCite wrote on May 20, 2007 10:41 PM:

" I can't begin to imagine the unspeakable pain these parents are experiencing. I pray that God holds them very close to His heart. "

God Bless the Mom and Dad wrote on May 20, 2007 11:45 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers are with this family during this sad time of loss. May God Bless you and hold you. "

mominapa wrote on May 21, 2007 7:45 AM:

" It is not my job (or yours) to make a judgment in this case until the results of the autopsy are published. Not a good idea to leave a child of any age in a car unattended, however. This has the worst possible ending, but what if the child had been snatched out of that car? Might have been a fate worse than death. Anyone (MOM?) think of that? "

crying mom wrote on May 21, 2007 8:39 AM:

" Shame on all of you who jump to judgment and print it. i too jumped to judgment on this, but than realized that but for the grace of God there go I. How many times have I left something or someone and not remembered? How do we know the facts of this case? We don't. Regardless of what happened, we should be supporting this family and praying for them. Whatever happened to community? If she did leave the baby in the car, what about all the people that walked by that car, did they not see? How culpable are they? What about the people who leave their dogs in the car with the windows rolled up, and we never stop and say something or do something? We all have a responsibility to each other and to ourselves. We all need to support each other, and stop pointing fingers and laying blame. Leave your politics at home and be the bigger person, give this family love and prayer and support. "

Heartfelt sorry wrote on May 21, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I just wanted to add our sorrow for the loss of this angel baby. Our hearts go out to her entire family and friends. Obviously not an intentional act on anyone's part. I surely hope and pray for the negative and hard hearted people who have posted on this board that they are never faced with such a tragedy. "

said, said, said wrote on May 21, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Is that the only word this author knows? I'm sure there is a better way to write an article than constantly saying "he said" and also without letting the fact that you are so judgemental showing through in many articles. My prayers go out to this family. "

... wrote on May 21, 2007 2:00 PM:

" Funny how people tend to be so ignorant and end up saying such ridiculous and hurtful things. “We are trying to determine if the baby was forgotten in the car. It’s very early to make any firm statements,” Pace said. And there you go. Please. Read the whole article before you go ranting about how this woman is a horrible person. "

follow up? wrote on May 21, 2007 3:53 PM:

" So is the headline true? These bloggings are making me wonder if the baby was really left in the car. Is the register going to follow up on this story? "

Too Proper wrote on May 21, 2007 4:02 PM:

" Is freedom to express one's reactions and thoughts (aka "free speech")non-existent today? Hey, this is America, the home of the brave, with the courage to express both good and bad without fear of repercussion. Let's continue to have forums like this for everlasting freedom of speech. Keep up the good work, Register. "

Mr. Mom wrote on May 21, 2007 5:30 PM:

" Leaving a child in a car is an accident, like forgetting to brush your teeth, or feed the dog? Think again. There is no excuse for negligence. "

Hmmmm. wrote on May 21, 2007 7:14 PM:

" On Friday, a 10 month old baby in Napa Valley died after being left in a car for six hours by the mother. This is "a tragic case of forgetfulness" with "no evidence of neglect [we] found," according to the police. Meanwhile, on Friday, a 10 month old baby in Columbia, South Carolina died after being left in a van for seven hours by the day care provider. This is a crime of "inexcusable carelessness", with the day care provider being held in jail on charges of homicide by child abuse. What's the difference? Why is one death a murder and the other a tragic accident? Why is one perpetrator cast as a victim and the other branded as child abuser? Or is it really different when you kill your own? "

a sentence in itself.... wrote on May 21, 2007 7:41 PM:

" Having your baby die due to your own negligence has got to be a sentence on its own... How can this mom ever live the rest of her life knowing she left her baby in the car and died? Once, when my daughter was 6 weeks old, I left her in the car.... I had picked her up from a temp daycare, and was going to visit another daycare with openings, and she was in the car. I got our, rang the doorbell, talked with the lady, and then she asked where is your baby! I was so shocked and horrified! I had left her in the car! Granted, she was in there maybe 3 minutes tops, and cool weather in march/april, about 5 PM. BUT I never should have done it- I didn't do it on purpose. AND I never did it again, I am so paranoid now!!! So I can understand that it does happen. It doesn't excuse it, it is a tragedy. It is good to ask, to check. New parents are exhausted, not getting much sleep, and basically they are exhausted. It really helps to have other people, parents, friends, ask about the baby ake sure everything is ok and give om a break to get some sleep. "

Are you kidding? wrote on May 21, 2007 9:23 PM:

" I understand the need to believe that such an act was an accident, however: any parent knows, you DO NOT forget to bring your baby out of the car with you. Puleez! "

Sorry wrote on May 21, 2007 10:45 PM:

" I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to offer in a time like this. You are in my prayers. Anyone who knows you, knows how much love you had for your little one. Romans 8:31 "

Angwin Parent wrote on May 22, 2007 6:46 AM:

" As an often tired and busy parent this is like something that I fear will happen to me and I can easily see how it can happen if there is a break in routine. I admit that I've driven to work before forgetting to drop my baby off to day care as a result of a break in routine. Luckily he's loud and usually hates his car seat. My heart goes out to this family that has to deal with this. And yes this is America, let's make sure that we show that we are a caring nation and and a caring community. Not an ugly nation and community that turns one tragedy into two. "

RIP wrote on May 22, 2007 9:53 AM:

" The sad fact is this happened but no one walked by? No one heard a crying baby? In all that time on one saw or heard anything? Please don't post cruel and judgmental comments,it's so easy to say I would never do that,it could have been you or I. "

Response to healthcare provider wrote on May 22, 2007 10:30 AM:

" In response to the "healthcare provider", HIPAA is only applicable to living patients, and is no longer valid after death (which is why death certificates, autopsies, obituaries, etc. are all public records). I do agree privacy should be honored out of respect to the parents and their pain, but it is not a requirement. "

Can't grasp it! wrote on May 22, 2007 12:22 PM:

" My heart truly does go out to the family, especially the mother of this baby girl! As a mother myself, I can't even imagine burying my child. However, I just can't get my mind around anyone forgetting that their child is in the car with them. I just don't understand how that happens! I know this mother will have to live with the consequences of this tragic event for the rest of her life and for that my heart goes out to her. "

Under investigation... wrote on May 22, 2007 2:29 PM:

" How about everybody involved with the incident shut up especially while the case is still "UNDER INVESTIGATION"? With regards to the person responding to the "healthcare provider," yes, HIPAA is applicable to living but there were emergency responders who were blabbing their mouths about the event immediately post-incident as if it were some paparazzi-type of hype. Until the official pronouncement by a medical provider, it was a "live" case! Bottom line, be respectful whether in life or in death. "

infanticide_question wrote on May 22, 2007 7:10 PM:

" It is horrible that any person, a child at that, would die due to such conditions. The loss is terrible. Moreover, not only does the mother have to deal with the loss, but (unproven and speculative on my part) may have to deal with being a causal factor if determined in a court of law. Question? if the mother drove to show the baby to friends, how does she "forget" the child in the car given that she was 1) taking the child to show to friends (she must appreciate she had the child with her), and 2) going to take the child to daycare? Is this negligence? If so, then is negligence an aggrivating factor for the cause of death? "

Angwin MOM wrote on May 22, 2007 9:48 PM:

" God bless this sweet little angel and bless her parents who no doubt loved their child with all their heart. Let us all learn from this tragedy and other lives be saved. "

HIPAA comment wrote on May 22, 2007 11:50 PM:

" HIPAA only applies to agencies who bill for their services. "

Katherine wrote on May 23, 2007 7:00 AM:

" No shutting up is not the answer. This should be on the front page. I can't believe everyone is feeling sorry for the mother. How about feeling sorry for the baby that sat in the hot car all day knowing the babies temperature rose far above 100 degrees. Who caused that? Oh, I forgot she was late to work! Prosecute. "

HIPAA Experts wrote on May 23, 2007 8:30 AM:

" If you have actual knowledge of HIPAA violations you are obligated to report them. However, even in the hospital there is frequent confusion in identifying clinical and non-clinical personnel, so an "emergency responder" situation is likely to be more difficult. The general public does not have a working knowledge of HIPAA requirements and are not bound by them. I have heard many non-hospital, non-medical people discussing supposed "facts" of this situation. So unless you have actual knowledge of a HIPAA violation, you don't know where that information originated and you are just insulting those of us who take our responsibility about HIPAA seriously. "

Lisa B. wrote on May 23, 2007 9:36 AM:

" In response to Mr. Mom who said there is no excuse for negligence. I say, then there’s no excuse for being human. We’ve all made mistakes, some of greater magnitude with far greater consequences than others. Does the degree of error make a person more or less human, more right or wrong? To those of you who portray yourselves as “Holier Than Thou,” what is the payoff for that kind of attitude? Please think about it. "

so sorry for her wrote on May 23, 2007 10:49 AM:

" It was an accident, maybe those who are pointing fingers should think about if they were in that position. Would you want people making these comments about you? It's bad enough she has to live with it, but to have people down her back and saying that it should be the cover and saying what a horrible mom she is, is just wrong. You dont know the story so back off. "

NAPAMOM wrote on May 23, 2007 11:27 AM:

" I HAVE 3 KIDS AND IM SORRY BUT I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN TO TAKE THEM OUT OF THE CAR I DONT CARE HOW TIRED, BUSY OR LATE I WAS IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN YOU ARE RESPONSABLE FOR THEM 100% AND IF YOUR CHILD DIES DO TO NEGLECT ON A PARENTS PART THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSABLE. "

Lisa Blake wrote on May 23, 2007 3:26 PM:

" Some of you don’t know all the facts and have made up your mind about this mother. Your limited knowledge, uninformed, uneducated and passionate opinions doesn’t surprise me. Experience is a powerful teacher and shows us the importance of not judging others. I pray you’ll never have to experience what this mother or family are going through but if, God forbid you do, please remember this incident and the outpouring support they’re receiving from people who do know the facts. In response to Hummm…Your question about why one death is considered murder and the other a tragic accident is a great question and one I hope you’ll explore further. To jumpstart you in that process, keep in mind that no two law enforcements, judicial systems, states, circumstances, finger prints or people are identical. These elements make every situation different. My heart goes out to the person in South Carolina. This too must be a tragic reality for them. "

Angelfire wrote on May 23, 2007 4:02 PM:

" How can you not think about your baby for an entire day? This just does not make any sense... "

Natureboy's whole story wrote on May 23, 2007 4:53 PM:

" If you don't know the family why would you open your big mouth. If you don't know the whole story why put in your two cents. Just feel for the loss of a child. (which should be the focus.) Let the cops do their job with if there was foul play or not. May God be with the family and child. "

john wrote on May 24, 2007 9:21 AM:

" my prayers to all who were touched in any way by the tragedy and the loss of a child...I would never recover,and I am considered to be very strong. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOUT YOU WHEN DEALING WITH LIFE"S MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS...CHILDREN "

Lisa wrote on May 24, 2007 1:54 PM:

" I am not judging this mother in any way, I can see how it could happen. Baby is asleep, quiet, you mind gets distracted, sure horrible as this was It could happen. Fortunately for me my children are far to loud and there presense is always known, in the car or out. I have walked into a store and realized my purse was in the car or I had forgot it at home, granted it was not my child, but distractions can happen. However with that said I do think that criminal charges are justified if indeed she is charged with anything in the end. I understand she lost her child, it was an accident, she will have to live with it the rest of her life, I get that. But.....if I were driving down the road and got distracted, hit someone and caused there death, accidently, you can sure bet I would be charged with vehicular manslaughter or something related. It too would have been an accident, something I would have to live with for the rest of my life as well, but the truth of the matter is that a life was lost at the hands of another, accidental or not. I do grieve for this mothers loss, I cannot even imagine what she is going through and the rest of the family as well. The entire thing is just awful but also a wake up to everyone who hears or reads about it. Sometimes it takes something tragic to remind us how fragile life is and to learn about precautions and or practices to take to make sure it never happens to us. "

caring about this family wrote on May 24, 2007 7:22 PM:

" My heart goes out to the family of this baby. Let God be the families comfort at this difficult time. And please let God hold the tongues of those who judge so harshly. "

mother of 5 wrote on May 24, 2007 8:18 PM:

" What about the daycare??? Why wouldn't a daycare call the parents once they didn't arrive after about 30 minutes to an hour. I would think that a daycare should call parents and just say, "Hey, just wondering if your child was coming in today, since you haven't shown up yet?" Maybe that should be policy in all daycares. Since these tragedies are getting so bad. Just a suggestion... "

daycare teacher wrote on May 25, 2007 10:59 AM:

" this is to the mother of 5. When you are in charge of a center. Or of a classroom of 12 children, your priority is to take care of the children that are there, you barely have any time to breath. Let alone to call every parent to find out where their child is. "

ahhh stop wrote on May 25, 2007 12:21 PM:

" How many articles do you need to write on the same story? 5, 10? Leave this poor family alone! "

My heart goes out to you and your family wrote on May 29, 2007 6:20 PM:

" I am a mother of 4 children, and I have to say I personally know that this can happen to anyone. It happened to me after my 3rd baby was born. She was in the intensive care unit for a while and like this mother my routine was different. The 2nd day I had her home, I went home to check on some things and was in the house for a few hours. It was very hot outside. I was just fortunate that after a couple of hours it donned on me that she was still in the car. I am fortunate that she is still alive 9 years later. Until this happens to you, unfortuantely there will be some ignorant thoughts going through some heads. Unless you are close to the situation you should not place judgemnt. Since I heard this I have been praying for this family and especially Mom, who loved her little girl with all her heart and soul. "

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