The parents of a one-year-old girl, Olivia Ancelet, have bravely shared their grief after their daughter tragically passed away after being forgotten in a car on a hot day. The devastating event occurred on February 4, 2025, when temperatures in Sydney soared to 86°F (30°C). The couple’s heartbreaking loss has sent shockwaves through their community.

The Horrifying Discovery

Etienne Ancelet, Olivia’s father, made the horrific discovery when he arrived at his daughter’s daycare center in Earlwood at 5:35 PM to pick her up. He had unknowingly left Olivia in the back of his car for the entire day. After assuming he had dropped her off at daycare in the morning, he was stunned to find his daughter still in the car, a tragic oversight that ended her life.

Parents’ Heartfelt Tribute

In the wake of their parents unimaginable loss, Etienne and his partner, Kim Visconti, spoke out, expressing their sorrow. In a statement to news.com.au, they said, “Olivia was a sweet and beautiful baby, who was the light of our lives. We are humbled and grateful for the time we had her. We are devastated by what has unfolded. We do not wish this on any parent.” They added, “We will always cherish our time with our beautiful girl. She was loved by all that knew her. It is an unimaginable time of sorrow for us.”

How It Happened

According to reports, Etienne had placed Olivia in the car to drive her to daycare but, mistakenly thinking he had already dropped her off, went about his day. Hours later, he returned to the car and found his daughter still inside, with the car’s heat having taken its deadly toll.

Roy Gomes, a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath, shared his experience with NewsWire. He was mowing his lawn when he heard Etienne’s panicked screams. Gomes recalled, “I saw the (man) with the baby in (his) arms and he was just panicking… He kept screaming saying, ‘I’ve killed my daughter.’” He and other neighbors tried to help by cooling the baby down with water and performing CPR while waiting for emergency services.

The Response

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but tragically, Olivia was pronounced dead. The incident has left the community shaken, with many struggling parents to process the heartbreaking event.

New South Wales Police Superintendent Christine McDonald addressed the tragedy in a press conference, saying, “Leaving a child in a vehicle at any time can be dangerous. Leaving a child inside a vehicle for an extended period of time can be deadly. This is an absolute tragedy.”

It was also revealed that another close relative of Olivia, who was deeply affected by the events, was hospitalized due to the shock.

Ongoing Investigation

As authorities investigate the details surrounding Olivia’s death, one key question remains: when exactly was Olivia left in the car? While it’s unclear when the incident occurred, the dangers of leaving children in hot vehicles are starkly evident, especially during summer months.

This heartbreaking loss serves as a tragic reminder of the risks posed by hot weather and the importance of checking and double-checking of parents on vehicles to ensure that no child is left behind.

The parents, devastated by the loss of their daughter, Olivia, have shared their heartbreak with the public, offering a glimpse into their grief. They express deep sorrow over the tragic mistake and are seeking privacy during this difficult time. Authorities continue their investigation into the events that led to Olivia’s death, raising parents awareness about the dangers of leaving children in hot vehicles.

Final Thoughts

The Ancelet family’s grief is palpable as they process their tragic loss. They will forever remember their beloved Olivia, a sweet and beautiful soul who brought joy to their lives. In their time of sorrow, they are asking for privacy, as they try to heal from a loss that no parent should ever have to endure.