Madisonville: A 10-month-old girl died in Madisonville, Kentucky, after she was allegedly left inside a scorching-hot car for about eight hours by her 61-year-old grandmother, who is a doctor, police said.

The incident took place on August 13, when temperatures reached 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), while temperatures inside the vehicle reportedly peaked at 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).

Baby was supposed to be taken to daycare

The infant, identified as Scottie Gwyn Crowell, was reportedly supposed to be dropped off at daycare by her grandmother, Dr Stacey Fazenbaker.

Fazenbaker had offered to pick up her granddaughter that morning and take her to daycare. However, when Scottie’s father arrived to collect her at about 4 pm, daycare staff told him that the baby had never been dropped off.

The family later learnt that Fazenbaker had gone directly to work at a medical clinic in Madisonville, with the baby allegedly still strapped into the backseat of her car.

Police attempted lifesaving measures

After being alerted, Fazenbaker reportedly ran outside with co-workers to retrieve the child. Madisonville Police Major Jason McKnight said officers also attempted lifesaving measures, but it was too late.

No charges had been filed immediately after the incident. Police said Fazenbaker was tested for drugs and alcohol, although investigators did not expect the results to be positive.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. McKnight said charges could potentially be sought before a grand jury as investigators establish how the incident occurred.

An autopsy is expected to determine the official cause of Scottie’s death.

Family mourns infant

Scottie was reportedly the second child of her parents and was born through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) on September 20, 2025.

Her family paid tribute to the infant following the tragedy. Her aunt, Emmy Fazenbaker, wrote on Facebook: “We love you so much, our sweet baby girl.”

The incident has also renewed concerns over the dangers of leaving children inside vehicles during hot weather, where temperatures can rise rapidly even when a vehicle is parked outside.