ORLANDO, FL— In what can only be described as a peak Florida Man moment, 33-year-old Scott Gardner allegedly decided that a fresh fade and some liquid courage were way more important than, you know, not leaving his 18-month-old son in a scorching-hot car for three hours.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Gardner’s little adventure on June 6 included:
✔️ A haircut (gotta look sharp for… jail?)
✔️ A pitstop at Hanky Panky’s Lounge (priorities, people!)
✔️ Completely forgetting his toddler was slowly turning into a human baked potato in the backseat
By the time anyone noticed, little Sebastian had reached an internal temperature of 111 degrees—which, for reference, is hotter than most Florida parking lots in July.
But wait, it gets worse!
Gardner didn’t just forget his kid—he allegedly gave cops multiple versions of what happened, because nothing says “I’m a responsible parent” like spinning a web of lies while your child’s autopsy report is being printed.
The Ultimate Irony?
Gardner was arrested by the same cop who tried to revive his son. If that’s not karma delivering a swift, brutal uppercut, we don’t know what is.
Hot Car Deaths: Not Just a Florida Thing (But Florida Is Leading the Pack)
This marks the 7th hot car death in the U.S. this year—and Florida’s 115th since records began. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds everyone: “Hey, maybe don’t leave your kid in a metal death box while you go day-drinking?”
Gardner now faces aggravated manslaughter and child neglect charges, because apparently, “I was thirsty” isn’t a valid legal defense.
Moral of the Story?
If you’re a Florida parent, maybe set a reminder on your phone that says: “YOUR KID IS STILL IN THE CAR, YOU ABSOLUTE MUPPET.”
(Too soon?)