A Pennsylvania mother was detained by Maine authorities after her 3-year-old daughter and family dog were found dead inside a car that had been parked in the summer heat for more than 15 hours. According to investigators, the child’s death was most likely brought on by overheating in the terrible Milford event.
When the tragedy occurred, 40-year-old Kelly Brown was in the state visiting relatives. According to police reports, while traveling from Pennsylvania, Brown and her daughter made a stop in Milford. After observing trash at other camping locations, Brown informed detectives that she had been teaching her daughter about environmental responsibility in the days preceding the event.
It took her hours to crawl out of the river and return to the car, she informed the police. Brown clarified that she had been out of the water for a few hours before getting back into the automobile after investigators observed that, despite her reported ordeal, her clothing seemed to be totally dry.
There are significant questions with Brown’s account based on the timetable that the authorities have presented. According to WLBZ, police enforcement has examined surveillance tape that purports to show Brown getting out of her car at around 6 a.m. on Saturday and not coming back until almost 15 hours later.
Police said Delco’s mother died in a car after falling into a Maine river when the girl was three years old.
August 12, 2025, NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia)
When they did not show up, Brown’s mother, who was expecting her and the child at a family home in Clifton on Thursday, called the police. By pinging Brown’s smartphone, Maine State Police were able to track her down and eventually find the Milford gas station. Officers discovered the dog and 3-year-old girl inside the locked car, both unconscious.
Both were declared deceased at the spot by emergency personnel. The state medical examiner’s office has concluded that the youngster most likely died from hyperthermia, a severe overheating of the body that may swiftly become lethal, even though the official autopsy report is still waiting.
Brown has been charged with manslaughter and was arrested on Sunday. Her bond was set at $50,000 during her first court appearance.
Although the episode is startling, similar incidents are not unusual in the United States. An Arizona father was arrested last month for leaving his four kids in a sweltering car as he went to an adult store to shop.
In 2025, there were numerous instances of children dying after being left in hot cars, and officials have been urging parents and guardians to exercise greater caution while leaving their kids behind so they can return in time and avoid any unintended tragedies.
