A New Mexico couple is mourning the loss of their toddler daughter, who died last week after her babysitter left her in a hot car, authorities said.
According to KOB-TV, Zachary Hasheme and Demi Petrowski described 2-year-old Zariah as their "miracle baby" because Demi had suffered six miscarriages before the girl was born.
Now, the grieving parents are planning her funeral.
On Sept. 17, Hobbs police discovered Zariah dead in a hot vehicle after responding to a 1:30 p.m. 911 call, KCBD reported. Babysitter Tammie Brooks, 41, said she had meant to take the toddler to day care, but forgot and drove to work, unknowingly leaving Zariah in the backseat, authorities said in a Facebook post.
"The child was left unattended in a car seat for several hours until Brooks realized the child was still in the car after running an errand," the post said.
Brooks is now facing a charge of child abandonment or abuse resulting in death, police said.
According to KOB, a relative has started a GoFundMe campaign for Zariah's parents. If you'd like to make a donation, click here.
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