According to the Arizona Republic and KNXV-TV, the 56-year-old man, identified only as an administrator at the Washington Elementary School District facility in Phoenix, told police that he accidentally left the girl in the van following an appointment. He discovered her inside the vehicle when he left work about 3:30 p.m., authorities said.
Emergency responders could not revive the girl and pronounced her dead, the news outlets reported.
KNXV reported that the man was the infant's "foster or adoptive father."
"I understand he's a very good man," Phoenix police Detective Luis Samudio told the TV station.
Authorities, who are still investigating the case, have not said whether they plan to file any charges, according to the Republic.
The school district said in a statement that its employees "are heartbroken about the death of an employee's child at our Service Center," KNXV reported.
"Our hearts go out to our staff member, his family and all of his colleagues who are grieving this tragic loss," the statement continued.
About the Author