Florida Grandmother Sentenced After Two Heartbreaking Tragedies Involving Grandchildren’s Deaths in Hot Cars
In a deeply emotional case, a Florida grandmother has been sentenced following the tragic death of her 7-month-old granddaughter, who died after being left in a hot car for hours. This devastating event comes less than a year after the family suffered the tragic drowning death of another grandchild, further compounding their heartache.
Tragic Death of 7-Month-Old Uriel Schock
Tracey Nix, a 67-year-old retired school principal from Hardee County, Florida, was sentenced in April 2025 after the death of her 7-month-old granddaughter, Uriel Schock. On a sweltering 90-degree day in November 2022, Tracey left Uriel alone in a car while she went out to lunch with friends. Tragically, Uriel was forgotten in the vehicle for several hours and died from hyperthermia due to the extreme heat.
The incident took place on a Friday afternoon when Uriel's mother, Kaila Nix-Schock, left the child in Tracey's care while she went to get her hair done. Upon returning, Tracey went for lunch, leaving the baby alone in the SUV with the windows rolled up. When she returned home, she “forgot” about Uriel, not realizing the baby was still in the car until a relative arrived later in the day.
A Devastating History of Tragedy
This was not the first tragedy to strike the Nix family. In December 2021, just under a year before Uriel's death, Tracey’s 16-month-old grandson, Ezra Schock, drowned in a pond near the Nix home. While the State Attorney’s Office determined that no criminal charges were warranted in that incident, the pain of that loss remained with the family.
Family's Heartbreaking Statements
During Tracey Nix’s sentencing, the courtroom was filled with overwhelming emotion. Uriel’s parents, Kaila and Drew Schock, gave tearful statements, expressing their heartache and frustration. Kaila, her voice breaking, recalled the pain of losing her child for a second time: "To think of the last moments of her life as a mother is gut-wrenching,” she said. Drew Schock added, "There are some things you don’t think about. She’s done this twice, and the fact that we’re debating whether she deserves jail time is just insane to me."
Despite Tracey’s emotional apology and claims of devastation, the judge emphasized the gravity of the two separate tragedies that occurred under her care.
The Sentence: Five Years in Prison
On April 3, 2025, after a Polk County jury convicted her of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, Tracey Nix was sentenced to five years in prison. The jury found her guilty of the charge but acquitted her of the more severe charge of aggravated manslaughter, which could have led to up to 30 years in prison.
Judge Brandon Rafool made it clear that the sentence reflected the repeated nature of the tragedies. "Uriel is not an isolated incident," he stated. "I do not believe she is showing remorse; I believe she is showing sorrow."
A Growing Concern: Hot Car Deaths
This case has brought renewed attention to the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars, a leading cause of childhood fatalities. According to Kids and Car Safety, at least 1,125 children have tragically died in hot cars since 1990, and last year alone, 40 children lost their lives in similar circumstances.
Experts note that these tragedies often occur when caregivers accidentally forget children in the backseat. Dr. David Diamond, a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida, explained that a “brain-autopilot memory system” can cause people to lose awareness of their surroundings, including the presence of a child in the car.
Preventing Hot Car Deaths: What You Can Do
To prevent such heartbreaking incidents, experts recommend a few simple yet effective habits:
Always check the backseat – Before leaving your car, check the backseat to ensure no child is left behind.
Leave a key item in the backseat – Place something important, like your wallet or phone, in the backseat. This forces you to check before exiting the car.
Lock your car when not in use – To prevent children from accidentally getting locked inside, always lock your vehicle when it is unattended.
Conclusion: A Heart-Wrenching Lesson on Vigilance and Safety
The death of Uriel Schock, like other hot car fatalities, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when caring for children. This tragic case highlights the potential dangers of leaving children in vehicles, especially in hot climates, and underscores the need for greater awareness and preventative measures. While Tracey Nix’s case is unique in its heartbreaking circumstances, it is also part of a larger, preventable crisis.
For parents and caregivers, the responsibility of protecting children from such dangers cannot be overstated. The pain of losing a child in this manner is immeasurable, and it is a tragedy that can, and must, be avoided.
Call to Action: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
To learn more about preventing hot car deaths, visit Kids and Car Safety for additional resources and safety tips. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and ensure that the unimaginable is never your reality.
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