A Queensland daycare center has shared guidance with other childcare providers following the tragic death of a one-year-old left in a sweltering car in Sydney.
Olivia Ancelet found herself in an overheated vehicle when her father forgot she was in the back seat during Australia’s high temperatures.
Etienne Ancelet only realized his daughter, who had celebrated her first birthday in December, was still in the vehicle when he went to pick her up from the daycare in Earlwood, a Sydney suburb, around 5:35 pm.
Upon arriving, he learned Olivia had not been dropped off and hurried back to his car, where he discovered his daughter unresponsive inside.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but sadly, Olivia was declared deceased.
New South Wales Police Superintendent Christine McDonald addressed the situation during a Tuesday press conference on February 4, stating, “Leaving a child in a vehicle at any time can be dangerous. Leaving a child inside a vehicle for an extended period of time can be deadly.”
“This is an absolute tragedy.”
Emily’s Early Learning in Ipswich, Queensland, not the center Olivia attended, commented on the event.
Describing it as ‘an absolute tragedy,’ they shared: “R.I.P darling girl. I cannot imagine the unbearable pain of grieving the loss of your child.
“This is why I will ALWAYS contact parents by 10am if children have not been dropped off to daycare on their booked days. I wish this was universal across all providers.”
Olivia’s parents have reached out to the media following the heartbreaking incident to honor their daughter.
In a conversation with news.com.au, they expressed, “Olivia was a sweet and beautiful baby, who was the light of our lives.
“We are humbled and grateful for the time we had her. We are devastated by what has unfolded.
“We do not wish this on any parent.”
The pair continued: “We will always cherish our time with our beautiful girl. She was loved by all that knew her. It is an unimaginable time of sorrow for us.”
An investigation by the police is still ongoing, and no charges have been made.
If you’ve experienced a loss and wish to talk in confidence, reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.