Discovery and Emergency Response
Diana Sofia Aleman Roman, an infant recently adopted by Romer and Jayson De Los Santos, was found unresponsive in the back seat of an SUV parked outside the family’s home at approximately 12:20 a.m. on June 13. Despite the outdoor temperature being a mild 63°F, cars can heat up rapidly. Authorities believe the child had been in the vehicle for several hours before a family member discovered her and called 911.
Diana was transported to Sharp Grossmont Hospital, but efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident. As of now, no arrests or charges have been made.
The Hidden Danger of Hot Cars
Even in relatively cool weather, vehicles can become deadly. Studies show that on a 70°F day, a car’s interior can reach over 100°F within 30 minutes, and up to 115°F in an hour. A child’s body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, with organ failure beginning at 107°F.
According to San Jose State University’s No Heat Stroke project, about 37 children die each year in the U.S. due to being left in hot cars. Since 1998, California has reported at least 56 such fatalities.
A Loving Family Shattered
Diana had joined the De Los Santos family on April 11, when Romer and Jayson traveled to Arizona to meet and bring her home. The couple had previously adopted a two-year-old son and had shared their adoption journey publicly, expressing their deep desire to provide a loving home filled with happy memories.
Romer, a senior consultant at Jama Software, and Jayson, a stay-at-home dad, have been together for over 20 years and married in 2008. Their home, affectionately called a “zoo,” was filled with pets and activity. Friends and neighbors described them as devoted and loving parents.
Following Diana’s death, Romer shared his anguish on social media: “I haven’t slept in days.”
Community Reaction and Investigation
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness, noting the couple appeared to be caring and attentive parents. One neighbor stated, “They seemed like a nice family who wanted to give a couple of kids a good life. It’s just a shame it didn’t turn out that way.”
The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death. The ongoing investigation will examine how the child was left in the vehicle and assess possible legal implications.
Is Forgetting a Child in a Car Common?
While tragic, such incidents are not as rare as one might think. Experts note that memory lapses—particularly when daily routines are disrupted—can lead even the most attentive parents to forget a child in the car.
Since the 1990s, an increase in cases has been partially linked to recommendations to place child car seats in the back for safety, which can inadvertently make children “out of sight, out of mind.”
Preventing Hot Car Deaths: Key Recommendations
Experts urge parents and caregivers to take preventive steps to ensure children are never left behind:
Create Reminders: Place essential items such as phones or bags in the back seat to prompt a final check before exiting the car.
Use Visual Cues: Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and move it to the front seat when the child is buckled in.
Secure the Vehicle: Always lock your car and keep keys out of children’s reach to prevent them from entering unsupervised.
Technology Solutions: Invest in car seats or vehicles equipped with alert systems like SensorSafe, which notify caregivers if a child is still in the seat.
Communication Plans: Arrange with child-care providers to contact you if your child hasn’t arrived as expected.
A Heartbreaking Reminder
The loss of Diana Sofia Aleman Roman is a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a moment of forgetfulness. It underscores the need for awareness, safeguards, and compassion as families and communities work to prevent future incidents.
While investigations continue, the hope is that Diana’s story will lead to greater vigilance—and help protect other children from a similar fate.
