A father left his baby in a hot car while he went to buy more alcohol.

The child was left in a car in 90-degree heat while his father was drinking.

It is the kind of nightmare that keeps parents awake at night. A young life was lost in a way that feels entirely preventable.

Logan Keith Chewning, 30, was in charge of his one-year-old son on Wednesday while the boy's mother was at work. Police say Chewning spent the day drinking and even left the house to buy more alcohol.

At some point, the father left the baby in the car. The child remained buckled in his seat for several hours as temperatures outside climbed into the mid-90s.

The grandmother eventually found the child dead in the vehicle. She had been unable to reach Chewning, who was supposed to be watching the boy.

What the evidence shows

• The baby was left in the car for several hours.
• Outside temperatures reached the mid-90s on Wednesday.
• The vehicle was parked in direct sunlight.
• The father admitted to drinking throughout the day.
• Responders reported the father smelled of alcohol when they arrived.

The bigger question

We often talk about hot car deaths as tragic accidents. But when alcohol or other substances are involved, does the word "accident" still fit?

We have to ask if our society is doing enough to support parents who are struggling. Is there a point where personal responsibility ends and a lack of community support begins?

The other side

Authorities noted that the father has shown remorse for his actions. However, police argue that his behavior was reckless rather than accidental, making a defense based on a simple mistake difficult to support.

What happens now

Chewning is currently facing a manslaughter charge. Police say this could be upgraded to felony murder as the investigation continues.

This case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a situation can turn deadly. It highlights the dangers of impaired caregiving and the extreme risks of leaving children in vehicles.

What we still don't know

1. Did the father fall asleep or lose track of time due to his alcohol consumption?
2. Were there any previous reports of neglect involving this family?
3. Will the final charges be upgraded to felony murder?

SOURCE NOTE

: All charges are allegations - Logan Keith Chewning is presumed innocent until proven guilty.*