Missing child found dead in vehicle in Cheatham County

CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Authorities are investigating after a child was found dead inside a vehicle in Cheatham County Tuesday afternoon.

According to Lt. Shannon Heflin with the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was made at approximately 4:06 p.m. to report a missing three-year-old boy who had last been seen around 1 p.m. along Navaho Trail in Pegram.

Before first responders arrived at the scene, a sibling reportedly found the child unresponsive inside a van. Even though CPR was later administered by medical personnel, the child passed away. Heflin added it remains unclear how long the child was inside the vehicle before he was found.

The three-year-old boy was reportedly left in the care of family members, but at some point, the boy wandered off and got into a broken-down van on the property. Heflin told News 2 the boy was able to shut the door behind him, but it’s believed he was unable to open the door once he was inside.

Officials said it’s too early to discuss potential charges, but added an investigation remains ongoing into the “tragic incident.”

“The most important thing is to educate the general public of how hot is and make sure you don’t leave a child inside a vehicle because this could be the result. It’s very tragic,” Heflin expressed.

A spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services confirmed to News 2 that the department is involved in the investigation.

No additional information was immediately released.