Heatstroke Deaths of
Children in Vehicles

1011 children have died in hot cars due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH) since 1998. All of these deaths could have been prevented.

Updated April 3, 2025

Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths, 2025: 1 •

Total number of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 2024: 39 •

Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 1998-present: 1011 •

Average number PVH deaths per year: 37 •

Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths, 2025: 1 • Total number of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 2024: 39 • Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke deaths, 1998-present: 1011 • Average number PVH deaths per year: 37 •

A deep dive into circumstances and statistics behind hot car child deaths. (PDF)


Monthly Statistics

Statistics by State


Circumstances

An examination of media reports about the 1010 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths for a 27-year period (1998 through 2024) shows the following circumstances:

  • 52.6% - Forgotten by caregiver (505 children)

  • 23.8% - Gained Access on their own (237)

  • 21.8% - Knowingly left by caregiver (202)

  • 1.9% - Unknown (26) 

Ages

The children that have died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States (1998-2024) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years. More than half of the deaths (54%) are children under 2 years of age. Below are the percentage of total deaths and the number of deaths.

Temperature Data
Link to Info Date City Temperature Gender Age
1 3/18/2025 Lakewood, NJ 68 Boy 4 mo