Child Dies After Being Left in Hot Daycare Van in Cordova
A 6-year-old girl, Winter Jones, died after being left in a hot daycare van at Kid University in Cordova, Tennessee. The temperature outside was 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and vehicle interiors can reach deadly temperatures rapidly. Winter was nonverbal and autistic,…
St. Louis, MO, August 14, 2026 —
A 6-year-year-old girl, identified as Winter Jones, tragically died after being left inside a hot daycare van at Kid University in Cordova, Tennessee. The incident occurred as outside temperatures reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat and enclosed vehicle spaces.
Winter, who was nonverbal and autistic, was unable to alert others that she remained in the van. Vehicle interiors are known to heat up rapidly, reaching potentially deadly temperatures within minutes, even on days that do not feel excessively hot.
This heartbreaking event is part of a disturbing national trend. According to data, 19 children have died in hot car incidents across the United States this year. Tennessee has experienced three such fatalities, including the recent death of Winter Jones.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the specific circumstances surrounding how Winter was left in the van, the procedures in place at Kid University for child check-ins, or any potential investigations into the daycare’s operations. The contractor’s name and the permit status of the daycare were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Lydian Coombs (Kennin), Joyce Peterson, Debra Worley on www.firstalert4.com, see more information here.
