Texas law prohibits leaving a child unattended in a vehicle at any time, especially during extreme heat. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 37 children die each year in the U.S. from heatstroke after being left in cars-a number that increases in southern states like Texas.

The mother of the child was working at a complex in the area and allegedly left the child unattended inside of the car for most of the day with water and the windows partially down, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

BREAKING: A 9-year-old girl died after being left in a car at a Galena Park industrial complex parking lot, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.