A horrific tragedy occurred in Vernal on Tuesday afternoon when an infant was left in a hot car. According to a press release from Vernal PD, “on July 28, 2026, the Vernal Police Department responded to a local hospital following the death of a 7-month-old infant. The preliminary investigation determined the child had been transported to the hospital by her father after he discovered she had been left unattended inside a vehicle for a substantial period of time with the windows up. Upon realizing what had occurred, the father found the child unresponsive and immediately transported her to the hospital. Investigators determined the temperature inside the vehicle was excessive. The infant was pronounced deceased at the hospital and was transported to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, which will determine the official cause and manner of death. Based on the investigation to this point, the father, 34 year old Tommy Dean Platero, has been arrested and booked into the Uintah County Jail on a charge of Child Abuse Homicide. The investigation remains ongoing. The members of the Vernal Police Department extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss. We also express our sincere appreciation to our partner agencies for their assistance and professionalism throughout this difficult investigation.”
