Tragedy in Detroit: Two Children Found Frozen to Death in Casino Parking Garage

Family’s Homeless Struggles Lead to Devastating Loss Amid Harsh Winter Conditions

In a heartbreaking incident that has left Detroit shaken, two children were found dead inside a parked van at the Hollywood Casino Hotel at Greektown parking garage in downtown Detroit on Monday afternoon. The Detroit Police Department reported that the family, facing homelessness, had been living in the van, which ultimately ran out of gas, leaving them vulnerable to the freezing winter temperatures.

According to authorities, the family arrived at the parking garage around 1 a.m., parking on the ninth floor in a van that served as their temporary shelter. Detroit Police Captain Nathan Duda explained that the family was unsheltered with no permanent residence, which forced them to seek refuge wherever possible. Inside the van were five children, all attempting to sleep through the frigid night without proper heating after the vehicle ran out of fuel.

Tragedy struck when the mother discovered around noon that her 9-year-old son was unresponsive. In a desperate attempt to save him, she contacted a friend who rushed the child to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. While the mother was at the hospital, the children's grandmother, who had stayed behind, noticed that a 2-year-old girl was also not breathing. The same friend returned to transport the toddler to the hospital, but heartbreakingly, both children were pronounced dead upon arrival.

Captain Duda expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Very sad. Especially as a father, I just can't imagine what the family is feeling. I wish it wouldn't have happened." The other three children were taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment and were reported to be in stable condition by Monday afternoon. While the official causes of death are still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest the children likely froze to death due to prolonged exposure to the cold.

Authorities have detained the mother, who has been cooperating with detectives as the case is being treated as a criminal investigation. “The circumstances surrounding this tragic event must be thoroughly examined,” Captain Duda emphasized, highlighting the need to understand how such a preventable tragedy occurred.

City officials are using this devastating incident to remind the public about the availability of warming centers throughout Detroit. Terra Linzner, Director of Homelessness Solutions for the City of Detroit, confirmed that additional beds are available in shelters to accommodate families in need. "We continue to try to provide as many resources as possible to prevent situations like this," Linzner said.

Moreover, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has reinforced that their shelters are open to anyone, especially during the harsh winter months. Chiara Clayton, the organization’s director of communications, stressed the importance of seeking shelter during extreme cold snaps. "You can’t sustain being outside in these types of cold temperatures. Our shelters provide not just warmth but also food and a safe space," Clayton noted.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by homeless families during the winter. Despite the availability of resources such as respite and relief centers across the city, many families remain unaware or unable to access them. Captain Duda poignantly stated, "This was unnecessary. It didn’t have to happen this way."

Authorities continue to investigate the case while emphasizing the importance of utilizing the city’s support systems designed to prevent such tragedies. Information about warming centers and emergency resources can be found on the City of Detroit’s official website.