A heartbroken father has shared his grief after the tragic discovery of his twin daughters in the backseat of a sweltering car.
The Norman Police Department in Oklahoma responded to a welfare check call on Thursday, September 5.
When officers arrived at a neighborhood near West Brooks St. and Flood Ave. around 3pm local time, they found a vehicle stopped in the street.
Upon closer inspection, they discovered the lifeless bodies of two-year-old twins Ariel and Avery, who had been inadvertently left inside the hot car for an ‘extended period’.
According to News 4, the twins’ parents had entrusted their care to a reliable family member, who was supposed to take the girls to daycare.
Unfortunately, the family member forgot, and by the time they realized the children were in the car, it was too late.
On the day Ariel and Avery were left, temperatures soared to a daunting 90F.
The twins’ father, who was at work when he received the devastating news from the police, has now come forward to express his sorrow.
Marshall Suter told the Daily Mail: “I didn’t know anything until 11:15pm on the 5th September and I was told in person by the police that they passed away. My heart’s been a wreck ever since.
“They were loved by everyone in the family. They did everything together. From the hugs to the kisses to the laughs. Their love was the most pure I had ever felt. And I won’t be able to feel that again. Mom and dad love their baby girls.
“No day will ever be the same. Our hearts are shattered. Losing a child might have be the hardest thing ever, and I lost two. I don’t think I’ll ever be okay again.”
Following the twins’ tragic deaths, numerous tributes have poured in for Ariel and Avery, while the family has requested privacy during this grief-stricken time.
Another family member told KFOR: “This is truly tragic and has been very hard on the family involved especially where hateful comments are concerned. I hope this will at least show people that it wasn’t intentional and truly an accident. This family would just like some peace in this difficult and heavy time.”
Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses has been initiated by Kourtnee Usey, Marshall Suter’s cousin.
“All funds will be used to give these precious little babies the funeral they deserve, and take some weight off of this father’s shoulders after dealing with such a tragic and HEARTBREAKING loss,” the family relative wrote.
The investigation into the twins’ deaths remains ongoing.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.