A Florida toddler lost his life in a heartbreaking case that authorities say could have easily been prevented.

On June 6, 18-month-old Sebastian Gardner died after his father, Scott Gardner, allegedly left him alone in a truck for over three hours while he got a haircut and spent time drinking at a local bar in Ormond Beach, leading to felony charges nearly two weeks later, as People reports.

According to investigators, Scott Gardner arrived at Classic Cuts in Ormond Beach shortly before noon that Friday. He exited his vehicle, leaving his young son strapped in a car seat in the back of his truck. The truck had its windows rolled down slightly, no air conditioning running, and a small battery-operated fan facing the child.

Following the haircut, Gardner walked to Hanky Panky’s Lounge, a bar located nearby. There, he drank and socialized for hours while outside temperatures soared, ultimately exposing his son to fatal heat. Witnesses reported he remained at the bar from around 11:30 a.m. until approximately 2:40 p.m.

At one point, around noon, Garner stepped outside the bar -- but it wasn’t to check on his son. A minor car accident in the bar's parking lot prompted him to inspect damage to a bartender’s vehicle. Authorities later confirmed that he did not approach his truck during this time.

Father alerted 911 after returning home

After spending more than three hours away, Gardner left the bar and drove to his home nearby. At around 2:40 p.m., he dialed 911, telling dispatchers his son was not breathing. “My son’s not breathing. A year and a half. Oh my god. He just had his eyes open. Oh my god, Sebastian,” he said during the call.

Emergency responders quickly arrived, but it was too late. Sebastian was found unresponsive and already in rigor mortis. He was declared dead at the hospital at 3:30 p.m. that same afternoon. Medical professionals estimated the boy’s body temperature had exceeded 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Investigators later determined the internal temperature of the truck could have reached as high as 111 degrees.

Autopsy results suggested Sebastian had been dead for at least one to two hours before the 911 call was made. This timeline raised red flags for authorities, as it implied Gardner had been aware -- or should have been aware -- of the danger for some time.

Officials shocked by behavior following child’s death

Immediately after being interviewed by officers at the hospital, Gardner returned to Hanky Panky’s Lounge later that evening with his mother. They stayed until nearly midnight. Witnesses said neither appeared particularly distraught during their time at the bar.

Authorities publicly criticized Gardner for his demeanor and initial dishonesty. “This father is a human piece of garbage,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood in a press conference. “And he’s a lying sack of s---.”

Chitwood also emphasized the preventability of the incident. “We’ve seen it, people forget their kids in the back seat, but this was completely different,” he stressed. “There’s no logical reason why this little guy is dead.”

Legal charges filed following investigation

Gardner initially gave detectives conflicting accounts of his actions that day before eventually admitting to his version of events. The extended timeline before calling 911 and his conduct afterward contributed heavily to the charges filed against him.

On June 19, nearly two weeks after the incident, Scott Gardner was arrested. He faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect, causing great bodily harm. The Ormond Beach Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office jointly conducted the investigation.

Detectives have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges, though at this time, only Gardner is named as a suspect. While his mother accompanied him throughout the day, officials do not believe she was aware of the child’s death during her time at the bar.

Lessons to learn

1. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle: Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise dramatically in minutes, even with the windows down. Children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke and death due to their underdeveloped ability to regulate body temperature.

2. Drinking while responsible for children is dangerous: Consuming alcohol in excess can impair judgment, delay responses, and lead to deadly decisions. Always ensure another responsible adult is present or avoid alcohol entirely when caring for children.

3. Be honest with authorities to aid life-saving intervention: False accounts or delayed confessions can hinder emergency response and damage legal defense. While crime can happen to anyone, cooperation may be vital in preventing further harm. Regardless, no child should be blamed for an adult’s recklessness.

Why this story matters

This case shines a harsh light on the tragic consequences of adult negligence and substance abuse while caring for young children. It demonstrates the crucial importance of community awareness and swift law enforcement intervention.

Understanding the facts of this case helps prevent similar tragedies, holding individuals accountable and emphasizing the life-or-death responsibilities of childcare, especially in high-risk environments or extreme temperatures.

Shining a light on such stories can change behavior and prompt communities to look out for the most vulnerable -- such as children -- before it’s too late.