The parents of a little girl who died after being left in a car on a hot day have been described as a ‘loving family’.
The two-year-old girl was found by emergency services in a vehicle in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council car park in Innisfail, Far North Queensland, on Monday afternoon.
They were called in by concerned locals as temperatures rose to 30.4 degrees Celsius.
Paramedics treated the girl at the scene and then rushed her to Innisfail Hospital where staff continued CPR but she could not be resuscitated.
The girl’s parents have been identified as council employees Jason Hemingway and Yoanywe Diaz, and have not been accused of any wrongdoing by police.
Father Kerry Crowley of the Mother of Good Counsel parish confirmed the family were members of the church community.
“So many families have come to me asking how we can help Jason and Yoanywe. They have no words, they don’t know what to say, but they want to help,” he told the Courier mail.
“A lot of people see themselves in the same light and think, ‘What if that was my child?’
Cassowary Coast Regional Council employee Jason Hemingway has been identified as the toddler’s father and has not been charged with any wrongdoing
Queensland Police have described their investigation as ‘complex and detailed’
“It’s certainly a community that wants to help, and my response right now is prayer – pray for them.
“They are a loving family, a respected family and a family of faith. Their daughter was full of life and charm, and she is no longer with them, but she will be their angel.”
Mr Hemingway works in the council’s Information, Communications and Technology department.
Queensland Police Chief Inspector Mick Searle described the investigation on Tuesday as “complex and detailed” and said the toddler had been there for “a significant period of time”.
“We are being assisted by the family and other specialist police officers and that investigation will continue for some time,” he said.
“Support is extended to the family and friends and the Innisfail community and our sincere condolences go out to all those involved in this case.”
Mayor Teresa Millwood expressed her condolences to the toddler’s family.
“The Cassowary Coast Regional Council would like to express our condolences to the family involved and if there is anything we can do we would be happy to assist them,” Ms Millwood said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli offered his condolences.
“Our hearts are with the Innisfail community as they grapple with this tragedy,” he said.