The tragic death of 22-year-old Dontarious Batts in North Carolina has brought attention to the dangers of leaving individuals in hot cars. Batts, a special-needs man, was left in a car for hours by his caretaker, Rogers Lee Inge Jr., who had snuck off to his second job as a janitor at Cleveland High School in Clayton. The incident occurred on a day when temperatures reached 81 degrees, highlighting the deadly consequences of heat exposure in enclosed vehicles.
Inge, who was supposed to be looking after Batts, left him inside the car with the windows up and the engine off while he worked his shift at the school. He checked on Batts two hours later and claimed that the young man was fine. However, Inge left Batts unattended for more than six hours, returning to the car in the afternoon to find him unresponsive. In a panic, Inge drove to a local fire station with Batts‘ body still in the car, calling 911 on the way.
Authorities met Inge at the fire station and declared Batts dead. Inge was subsequently taken into custody and charged with involuntary manslaughter. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office believes that Batts died as a result of the heat inside the car, a danger that is often underestimated. On an 80-degree day, temperatures inside a car can quickly soar to dangerous levels, reaching 109 degrees in just 20 minutes and 123 degrees within an hour, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The tragic incident has led to Inge losing his job at Johnston County Public Schools and being held under a $35,000 bond at the Johnston County jail. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Batts‘ death, but the circumstances surrounding the case serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsibility when caring for vulnerable individuals.
The death of Dontarious Batts is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of leaving individuals in hot cars, especially during the sweltering summer months. It is crucial for caretakers and guardians to be aware of the risks associated with heat exposure and to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from negligence and serves as a call to action for increased awareness and education on the dangers of leaving individuals in hot cars.