A 17-month-old boy is dead after his mother reportedly left him in a hot car in Pembroke on Saturday.

The Sun Sentinel reports that the incident occurred off of the 2200 block of N. University Drive on Saturday afternoon when the toddler’s mother, whose name is disclosed, parked near the Memorial Hospital Pembroke in Pembroke Pines, got out of her car and left her son strapped inside a car seat. She reportedly returned around eight hours later, prompting a call to 911 at close to 5 p.m.

When paramedics arrived, they tried in vain to resuscitate the unconscious boy. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The mother’s lawyer, Lawrence Hashish, said that his client was a good mother and would have never hurt her baby willingly.

“She’s a good mother. She’s very family-oriented and very involved in the church. She has a lot of family, friends and church members helping her cope and counsel her.”

Regardless, each summer, organizations such as The National Safety Council warn parents and caretakers about the dangers of being too busy and neglectful, and leaving children in hot vehicles.

“On average, 37 children die each year due to PVH; 42 children died during 2017, alone. All of these deaths were preventable,” the organization states.

Temperatures reached 93 degrees Fahrenheit on the day in question.

The Pembroke Police Department hasn’t decided yet whether charges will be filed. The mother’s name will remain disclosed if law enforcement chooses not to file.

The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline for additional details.

[Feature Photo: Ron Kremer/Wiki Commons]