The two Detroit children died on suspicion of exposure to the cold after the family was found unresponsive in the van they lived in Monday, police said.
The two- and nine-year-olds were found not breathing at midday, Detroit police Colonel Nathan Doda said. They were taken separately to the hospital where they were declared dead there, he said.
The mother had parked the van in the casino parking lot around 1am on Monday, but the vehicle had since been running out of gas, Duda told reporters in a video announced by the police station.
The tragedy took place as Detroit had a temperature of about 12 degrees early on Monday morning and a 6 degrees wind-cold temperature, according to the National Weather Service.
The mother first noticed that one child was not breathing and called the family to take her to the hospital, Duda said. She then realized that her second child was not breathing and called back the family, the captain said.
“And so, we told both children to the Children’s Hospital, where they declared they had died. The early indicator is to freeze and die,” he said.
Three other children survived. Doda said there will be a public investigation by the police department.
“It must be (explored),” Duda said. “At this point when our two children have passed away, no one really wants to think about it, but the reality is that we have to look into the situation. We have to find a way to move forward.”
Doda said the situation was sad, especially as a father. “I can’t imagine what my family is feeling,” he said.
Duda urged people to set up resources such as shelters, churches and other facilities. He also said anyone who sees others in need during the cold should call 911.
“We will be able to provide resources, transport, feed, dress and evacuate those with all the right people,” Duda said. “We care.”
