“THE EMBODIMENT OF JOY”: UTAH FAMILY MOURNS 4-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO DIED AFTER BEING TRAPPED IN HOT SUV

AMERICAN FORK, UTAH — A Utah family is mourning the loss of 4-year-old Rosalie “Rosie” Grace Freund, who died after becoming trapped inside a hot SUV outside her family’s home.

Police described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” and said investigators do not plan to pursue criminal charges.

ROSIE DISAPPEARED DURING A SUMMER AFTERNOON

Rosie was playing with her siblings at the family’s American Fork home on July 26 when investigators believe she entered her parents’ 2020 GMC Yukon XL, which was parked in the driveway.

According to police, Rosie may have remained inside the vehicle for as long as 2½ hours.

Temperatures inside the SUV were estimated to have climbed to approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Investigators believe the vehicle’s rear child safety locks were engaged and that Rosie did not know how to open the front doors.

By the time she was discovered, she was in critical condition.

FIRST RESPONDERS FOUGHT TO SAVE HER

Emergency responders immediately began CPR.

Rosie was transported to a local hospital before being flown by medical helicopter to Salt Lake City for further treatment.

Court documents described her condition as extremely serious.

Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Rosie died two days later.

The circumstances have left her family and community grieving a child whose life was remembered for her energy, affection and joy.

A LITTLE GIRL REMEMBERED FOR HER JOY

Rosie’s obituary paints a picture of a child who loved being surrounded by her family.

She adored her three sisters, played with Barbies, enjoyed swimming and singing, and loved bright colors and macaroni and cheese.

Her family described her as “the embodiment of joy.”

“She brought happiness wherever she went,” her obituary said.

Those close to Rosie are now remembering those everyday moments as they face the devastating loss of a 4-year-old girl.

POLICE WILL NOT FILE CRIMINAL CHARGES

American Fork Police Lt. Ryan Archuleta said investigators do not intend to pursue criminal charges in connection with Rosie’s death.

The decision follows an investigation into how the child entered the vehicle and why she was unable to get back out.

Authorities have characterized the incident as a tragic accident rather than a criminal act.

A FAMILY LEFT TO GRIEVE

Rosie is survived by her parents and three sisters.

A fundraiser has also been established to help the family cope with the financial impact of the tragedy.

For her loved ones, however, no amount of support can replace the child they lost.

A summer afternoon that began with children playing at home ended with an unimaginable loss. Rosie was only 4 years old, but her family says the happiness she brought into their lives will never be forgotten.

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