3-year-old Spirit Lake boy found dead in car

A 3-year-old boy died Thursday of apparent heat exposure while trapped inside a car with two dogs in Spirit Lake. The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death. Capt. Ror Lakewold said the parents aren’t suspected of foul play. However, they still may be charged for negligence, pending the autopsy results. The boy was playing with his dogs while his mother and her boyfriend slept inside, a news release from the sheriff’s office said. The child then got into the vehicle, closing the door behind him. The boy was found by his mother, who attempted lifesaving efforts. Both dogs also died in the hot car, authorities said. Jan Null, a certified consulting meteorologist for Golden Gate Weather Services, said the car could have reached nearly 130 degrees. Null studies child hyperthermia deaths around the country. The case is still under investigation, pending an autopsy.