Police: Death of 2-year-old left in hot car in Monticello under investigation

State police say a 2-year-old died in Monticello Tuesday night after the toddler was left in a hot car for what appears to be “well over an hour.”

The tragedy unfolded shortly before 7 p.m. outside Building 14 at the Sleepy Hollow Apartment complex on Terri Lane.

Police say they received a 911 for help reporting the toddler was inside an SUV and wasn’t breathing. Neighbors are devastated by what happened.

“It’s just devastating,” says Ralph Cannon. “It’s stressed so much. How can you do it?”

Authorities, including the Sullivan County district attorney and coroner, were on the scene after first responders say their efforts to save the child failed.

“It’s sad news. Heartbreaking really,” says a mother who lives across the street.

So far, it’s not clear if anyone is facing charges in the child’s death.

“I raised two girls of my own,” says Cannon. “I would never leave the kids in the car.”

The parking lot where the child died is across the street from a brightly colored park for neighborhood kids. Several children were seen on Wednesday playing outside and toys could be seen scattered throughout the complex.