Norman family devastated after two toddlers found dead in vehicle
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) - The family of the two toddlers found dead in a vehicle Thursday are speaking out about what happened.
The family told News 4 that two-year-old twins, Ariel and Avery, were loved by everyone and that the loss is devastating and unbearable.
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"They were the best girls the world has ever seen. It honestly hurts because the girls were so deeply loved and cared for," said Marshall Suter, father to the twins.
According to the Norman Police Department, officers responded to a neighborhood near West Brooks St. and Flood Ave. around 3 p.m. Thursday for a welfare check.
When officers arrived they found a car stopped in the street. Inside the car, police discovered the bodies of two two-year-old children.
Norman PD said the children were accidentally left inside the car for “an extended period” and were later found by family members.
News 4 was told that the parents had left the two girls in the care of a trusted family member that day.
That family member was meant to drop the children off at daycare but said they forgot and when the two were found it was too late.
One family member said, "This is truly tragic and has been very hard on the family involved especially where hateful comments are concerned. I hope this will at least show people that it wasn't intentional and truly an accident. This family would just like some peace in this difficult and heavy time."
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A GoFundMe started by a cousin of Suters states, "No one truly knows the pain of losing a child until you are going through it. I know this mom and dad are going through it. We would be so grateful and appreciative of any help received and may God bless you all for your kindness."
The investigation continues and the medical examiner is expected to announce the cause of death in the coming weeks.
The GoFundMe posted by Suter's cousin stated that they are asking for funds that "will be used to give these precious little babies the funeral they deserve."