Division 2 Garland County Circuit Court Judge Wade Naramore and his wife, local attorney Ashley Wright Naramore, said Friday that they are patiently cooperating with law enforcement and the special prosecutor investigating the hot-car death of their son, Thomas, in July, and asked for the public's patience with the investigation, as well.
In a lengthy statement released to The Sentinel-Record and other media by a family spokesman who asked not to be identified, the Naramores called the July 24 death of their 18-month-old son a "parent's worst nightmare."
"No words can ever explain the depth of our love for him. This has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, friends, and all those who knew the pure joy of our sweet baby boy. We have learned that we are far from alone in our struggle, as diligent and loving parents from all walks of life have suffered this catastrophic loss under similar horrifying circumstances," the statement said.
It is only the second statement issued by the Naramores following their son's death, which is under investigation by the Hot Springs Police Department in coordination with Scott Ellington, of Jonesboro, the 2nd Judicial Circuit prosecuting attorney who has been appointed as special prosecutor in the case.
"The criminal investigation into the death of Wade Naramore's son remains under investigation by my office and the Hot Springs Police Department. I have no comment as it relates to the statement Judge Naramore and his wife released today," Ellington said Friday.
A preliminary investigation showed that Thomas Naramore died as the result of "excessive heat" on July 24, after being left unattended in a "hot car" for an undetermined amount of time, the Hot Springs Police Department said on July 27.
The first statement, released on July 26 to The Sentinel-Record, called the death a "tragic accident" and was two sentences long. The second statement is several paragraphs long. Like the first statement, it does not address any specifics of Thomas Naramore's death, or when Wade Naramore intends to return to the bench. He has not presided over any District 2 cases since his son's death (see related story).
In the latest statement, the Naramores say that once the investigation is complete and a decision has been made, "regardless of the outcome," they desire to "raise additional awareness" by sharing their story in an effort to "prevent this from happening to other children and families in the future. If even one child is saved and one family spared by the publicity generated by this horrible accident, it will make all the difference in the world."
"We are trying to be as patient as possible as the investigation takes place. We ask for the public's patience with respect to that process as well. We, as much as anyone, want the matter concluded," the statement said.
The following is the text of the statement released Friday:
"On July 24, 2015, we experienced a parent's worst nightmare when our son, Thomas, tragically passed away. No words can ever explain the depth of our love for him. This has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, friends, and all those who knew the pure joy of our sweet baby boy. We have learned that we are far from alone in our struggle, as diligent and loving parents from all walks of life have suffered this catastrophic loss under similar horrifying circumstances.
"In addition to covering the prevalence and risk factors of hot-car deaths, local and state news media have reported on the pending investigation into the circumstances surrounding our son's death. We have cooperated and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and with Mr. Scott Ellington, who has been appointed as the special prosecutor in this matter. We have also cooperated fully with Mr. David Sachar, the Executive Director of the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission.
"We are trying to be as patient as possible as the investigation takes place. We ask for the public's patience with respect to that process as well. We, as much as anyone, want the matter concluded. Once it is complete and a decision has been made, regardless of the outcome, we desire to raise additional awareness by sharing our story in an effort to prevent this from happening to other children and families in the future. If even one child is saved and one family spared by the publicity generated by this horrible accident, it will make all the difference in the world.
"We thank you for your continued prayers and good thoughts.
"Wade and Ashley Naramore"
Local on 10/10/2015