Authorities in Detroit, Michigan are investigating the tragic deaths of two young children who are believed to have frozen to death after their homeless family of six spent the night in a van parked at the Hollywood Casino Hotel’s garage.
According to Detroit Metro police, a mother and her five children had been living out of their van and parked in the casino’s garage around 1 a.m. Monday. The vehicle eventually ran out of gas, leaving the family stranded in the freezing cold.
At noon, the mother noticed her 9-year-old son was unresponsive and contacted a family friend to take them to the hospital. While at the hospital, the children’s grandmother called to say that the mother’s 2-year-old daughter was also not breathing. The friend rushed back to pick up the girl and took her to the hospital as well.
Both children were pronounced dead.
The other three siblings were taken to the hospital, where they were evaluated and listed in stable condition.
While the official cause of death has yet to be determined, police suspect the children succumbed to the frozen temperatures. The case is being investigated as a criminal incident, and the children’s mother has been detained for questioning.
“This is very sad. Especially as a father, I just can’t imagine what the family is feeling. I wish it wouldn’t have happened,” said Detroit Police Capt. Nathan Duda.
Authorities clarified that the incident was unrelated to gambling, despite occurring in a casino parking garage. The investigation is ongoing.
