By Raymond Partsch III/Ville Platte Gazette Managing Editor
The Ville Platte Police Department has confirmed that a 3-year-old child died after being left in a car on Tuesday.
According to a release from Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue, at about 2 p.m. Tuesday officers responded to a report of a child left in a vehicle in the 2000 block of West Main Street in Ville Platte. Detectives were dispatched to the scene to begin an investigation.
Lartigue confirmed to The Ville Platte Gazette on Wednesday afternoon that the little girl had in fact died and that Louisiana State Police would be taking over the investigation.
KATC-TV in Lafayette reported on Tuesday night that the child’s mother worked at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, which is located in the 2000 block of West Main Street.
The girl who died has since been identified as Addyson Bertrand and Facebook has been filled with outpouring for the family.
Chasessica Basco posted on Wednesday afternoon that a candelight vigil is planned for Thursday after ball games at the Pine Prairie ballpark around 7:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring candles/flashlights/purple balloons, as purple was Addyson’s favorite color.
If storms wash out the games, then the vigil will be held at the Pine Praire Community Center.
Basco’s post also stated that there is an account listed as “Benefit for Addyson Bertrand” that has been set up at Red River Bank in Lecompte.