Zaelynn Hirschy, aged two, died tragically in November 2024 after being left overnight by her parents in a closet heated by a space heater in Berne, Indiana. Police responding to the home found the closet’s temperature likely caused her fatal hyperthermia.
The child had been placed to sleep at 7 p.m., but her parents did not check on her until hours later when it was sadly too late. The family’s home was noted for unsafe, dirty conditions including rodent infestations and food spoilage.
The child welfare department removed Zaelynn’s two siblings due to severe neglect concerns. Both parents face serious felony charges related to Zaelynn’s death and the care of their other children.
Zaelynn is remembered as a bright and loving child who brought joy to those around her. This case starkly reminds society of the responsibilities parents owe to protect their children’s lives.
