Dr. Andrew Dill, an assistant professor of accounting at the University of Southern Indiana, had driven to the campus with his son on Tuesday morning but forgot to drop him off at the Children’s Learning Center at the school. Dr. Dill only learned of his mistake when he got into his car to go pick up the boy from child care. Instead, he found his child’s lifeless body in his car and called 911 According to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department, life saving measures were attempted by Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Deputies, University of Southern Indiana Public Safety personnel, AMR Ambulance services, and Perry Township Fire Department personnel. The toddler died on scene where the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office responded to investigate. Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s detectives worked with the Coroner’s Office and USI Public Safety to investigate the death. The initial investigation by Sheriff’s Office detectives has resulted in no arrests being made. According to the Sheriff’s office, as is customary practice in similar investigations the official case file will be submitted to the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office for final review.
Outdoor temperatures rose to roughly 90 degrees at the time of the passing of Oliver Dill, 3. According to the National Weather Service, it would be likely for temperatures to be 120 or higher inside the vehicle.
On average, a child dies from heatstroke once every eight days in America because an adult forgets them behind. Oliver Dill’s death marks the second just this week where a child was left behind in a hot car to die.
A family friend has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the three year old’s funeral. Ashley Nanninga wrote, “The unspeakable happened to one of the most wonderful families I know. With the loss of their sweet Oliver came the public spotlight and judgement. NO ONE should have to grieve the loss of a child no matter the circumstance. They have experienced loss, ridicule, hatred, anger, and deep deep sorrow. They are grieving the loss of a precious little person while also being thrown into the media spotlight. What they need now more than anything is LOVE.”
