A one-year-old girl was found dead inside a car outside a childcare center in Sydney, Australia, in what authorities are calling a devastating tragedy.
Little Olivia Ancelet was discovered unresponsive in a vehicle outside My Early Learning Centre Clemton Park on Marana Rd, Earlwood, at approximately 5:35 PM on Tuesday, February 4.
While the cause of death has yet to be officially determined, NSW Police believe Olivia was left in the car for an extended period as temperatures in the area neared 30°C.
On Wednesday afternoon, February 5, Olivia’s grieving parents released an emotional statement expressing their devastation.
“Olivia was a sweet and beautiful baby, the light of our lives,” they shared with news.com.au. “We are humbled and grateful for the time we had with her. We are devastated by what has unfolded. We do not wish this on any parent.”
They added, “We will always cherish our time with our beautiful girl. She was loved by all who knew her. It is an unimaginable time of sorrow for us.”
Roy Gomes, a local resident, recounted the harrowing moment he heard a man screaming in distress.
“My neighbour came across and said, ‘Can you hear that screaming?’ So I turned the lawnmower off,” Mr. Gomes told NewsWire.
“When I got there, I saw the man holding the baby in his arms, panicking. We didn’t know what to do, so I said, ‘Let’s try to give her CPR, do our best.’
“He was screaming, poor guy, he kept yelling, ‘I’ve killed my daughter.’”
Neighbours attempted to help, pouring water on Olivia to cool her down. “She was obviously still very hot. She was just floppy,” Mr. Gomes said.
He admitted the traumatic experience haunted him that night. “I didn’t sleep much, just because I could see the little baby’s face all night.”
Before the tragedy, Olivia’s father, Ettiene Ancelet, had shared touching social media posts celebrating his daughter’s milestones.
In one post, he wrote humorously about her reaching three months: “I’m happy to announce that Olivia has officially passed her 3-month probation period. Despite her lack of experience, Olivia has added a youthful energy to the team.”
Another post showed him holding Olivia while they both slept, with the caption: “My most memorable birthday yet.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Olivia was enrolled at Jelly Beings Early Learning Centre, though police were seen entering the premises on Wednesday morning.
Superintendent Christine McDonald described the child’s death as “an absolute tragedy” and “a most traumatic event.”
“The information provided to us suggests that this baby was left inside the vehicle for an extended period on a very hot day,” she said. “Leaving a child in a vehicle at any time can be dangerous. Leaving a child inside a vehicle for an extended period can be deadly.”
A male relative, believed to be Olivia’s father, was taken to the hospital in shock. Her mother is also assisting police with inquiries.
A crime scene was established as detectives continue their investigation. Authorities are still working to determine the timeline of events leading up to Olivia’s death.
NSW Ambulance paramedics responded, but Olivia was pronounced dead at the scene. A male occupant of the vehicle, believed to be a relative, is cooperating with police as inquiries continue.