DETROIT, MI – A devastating tragedy unfolded in Detroit this week, as two young children are believed to have frozen to death after their homeless family sought refuge in a van parked in a casino’s garage.
On Monday, the family, consisting of a mother and five children, pulled into the parking garage of the Hollywood Casino Hotel around 1 a.m. after their van ran out of gas. Authorities reported that the family, living out of the van, had no choice but to sleep in the vehicle as temperatures dropped overnight.
Around noon, the mother discovered that her 9-year-old son was unresponsive and not breathing. In a panic, she reached out to a family friend, who rushed them to the hospital. Tragically, while they were en route, the children’s grandmother called with the news that another child, a 2-year-old girl, had also stopped breathing. The friend turned around and brought the young girl to the hospital, where both children were later pronounced dead.
The causes of death have not yet been confirmed, but authorities suspect that the children succumbed to the freezing temperatures inside the van. Three other siblings in the family were evaluated at the hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.
Detroit Police Captain Nathan Duda expressed the collective grief of the community, stating, “Very sad. Especially as a father. I just can’t imagine what the family is feeling. I wish it wouldn’t have happened.”
Despite the tragic circumstances, the incident is being investigated as a criminal matter. The children’s mother has been detained for questioning and is cooperating with investigators. Police emphasized that the incident, though occurring near a casino, is unrelated to gambling.
“This is about the family and the loss of two children. The reality is that the situation needs to be examined to understand how it could have been prevented,” Captain Duda said. “We need to figure out how to move forward.”
In light of the incident, police have urged the public to be aware of warming centers available throughout the city, as temperatures continue to plummet. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the children’s tragic deaths.
The heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the severe risks faced by vulnerable individuals, especially during extreme weather conditions.
