Toddler Dies After ‘Piece of Garbage’ Dad Allegedly Left Him in ‘Hot Truck’ to Drink and Get a Haircut, Sheriff Says

Tragic Loss as Toddler Dies After Being Left in Hot Vehicle by Father: Police

In a heart-wrenching incident, an 18-month-old toddler lost his life on June 6, 2025, in Florida, after his father, Scott Gardner, allegedly left him alone in a hot vehicle for over three hours. The authorities claim that Sebastian Gardner was left in the backseat of the truck with only a small fan, as the temperature inside the vehicle soared to 111 degrees on that fateful day in Ormond Beach, Fla.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his dismay, stating, “There’s no logical reason why this little guy is dead.” The sheriff did not mince words in calling out Scott Gardner, labelling him as a “human piece of garbage” and condemning his actions during a recent briefing. The devastating turn of events led to the arrest of Scott Gardner on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm almost two weeks after Sebastian’s untimely demise.

According to reports from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department, Scott Gardner had visited Classic Cuts and Hanky Panky’s Lounge, a barber shop and a cocktail lounge in close proximity, leaving Sebastian unattended in the sweltering vehicle. The toddler was left with the windows down, no air conditioning, and only a small battery-powered fan to combat the scorching heat.

Sheriff Chitwood emotionally recounted the events leading to Sebastian’s tragic death, highlighting Scott’s alleged actions. The father reportedly left Sebastian in the truck around 11:30 a.m., went for his haircut, and then proceeded to the lounge for drinks until at least 2 p.m. A distressing detail emerged as Scott briefly checked on his son after a minor car accident in the vicinity but continued with his activities without ensuring Sebastian’s well-being.

Following his time at the bar, Scott returned home and called 911 around 2:40 p.m. to report that Sebastian was unresponsive. However, investigations revealed that the toddler had already passed away one to two hours before the call was made. Medical personnel noted the child’s temperature exceeding 107 degrees upon arrival at the hospital, indicating the extreme conditions he endured inside the truck.

As the investigation progressed, conflicting accounts emerged, with Scott allegedly providing false information before ultimately confessing to his actions. Sheriff Chitwood did not hold back in his assessment, condemning Scott’s behaviour as intentional and beyond comprehension. The sheriff emphasised that while cases of children being inadvertently left in vehicles are not uncommon, Sebastian’s case was entirely different and deliberate.

The grim turn of events took another distressing twist as it was revealed that Scott and his mother returned to Hanky Panky’s after Sebastian’s death without displaying the expected distress. Witnesses observed their behaviour, noting their apparent lack of remorse, which raised further concerns during the investigation. Despite Scott’s eventual confession, the authorities were deeply troubled by the intentional nature of the neglect that led to Sebastian’s tragic demise.

The devastating loss of Sebastian Gardner serves as a stark reminder of the importance of car safety for children and responsible caregiving. As the legal proceedings ensue, the community mourns the loss of a young life and demands justice for Sebastian. The shocking incident has left many reeling and underscores the need for vigilance and accountability in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Please note: This news article is a rephrased version of a report originally published by an external source. The details and events described are based on the information provided by the original article.