Gina Heslop
A heartbreaking incident took place in Santee, San Diego, where a baby girl named Diana Sofia Aleman Roman died after being left in a hot car. This tragedy happened just two months after she was adopted by her new parents, Romer and Jayson De Los Santos. Diana was found unresponsive in the back of the family’s SUV around 12:20 AM on June 13.
Despite the outside temperature being 63°F, the car’s interior had heated up dangerously. She was discovered after being left in the car for several hours, and a family member called 911 immediately. Diana was rushed to Sharp Grossmont Hospital, but sadly, she could not be saved.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is investigating how Diana was left in the car and who was responsible. So far, no charges have been filed. This incident underscores the dangers of leaving children in cars, where temperatures can rise rapidly.
Studies show that on a 70°F day, the inside of a car can reach 104°F in just 30 minutes and 115°F in an hour. The human body’s organs start shutting down at 107°F, making such conditions lethal, especially for children.
Diana had been warmly welcomed into the De Los Santos family on April 11, when Romer and Jayson traveled to Arizona to meet her. The couple, who also have a two-year-old son adopted earlier, had been looking forward to expanding their family.
They shared their journey on social media, expressing their joy and desire to create a home filled with love and cherished memories. Romer works as a senior consultant at Jama Software, while Jayson is a stay-at-home dad. They have been together for over 20 years and married in 2008. Their home, often described as a “zoo,” is filled with pets including cats, dogs, chickens, and parakeets.
The community is deeply saddened by the loss. Neighbors described Romer and Jayson as attentive parents who enjoyed spending time with their children. Many believe that the incident was not intentional. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of Diana’s death.
Around 37 children die each year in the U.S. from being left in hot cars. To prevent such tragedies, experts recommend various strategies. Parents should never leave children alone in vehicles, even for short periods, as temperatures can rise quickly. California law fines parents $100 for leaving a child under six in a car under hazardous conditions, with potential charges ranging from neglect to manslaughter.
Experts also suggest placing reminders, such as a soft toy in the front seat or essential items next to the child’s seat. Additionally, keeping vehicles locked at all times and teaching children not to play in cars are crucial steps. New technologies, like car seats with built-in reminders, can also help prevent these incidents.
