The Texas mother found dead in her SUV with her two young daughters last week likely died of an overdose before her daughters succumbed to heat stroke, sources told a local news station.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 31-year-old Natalie Chambers and her two daughters, 4-year-old Izabel and 2-year-old Elise, were reported missing from Forney on Wednesday after they left home in the morning for a play date at a park but never arrived. On Thursday, police discovered all three dead in an SUV in a parking lot in Farmer’s Branch, about an hour’s drive from Forney.
While authorities have not publicly shared the result of autopsies conducted on the three family members, relatives and law enforcement sources told inForney.com they believe Chambers died of an overdose and her daughters died of heat stroke after being stuck inside the vehicle during sweltering July temperatures.
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According to the report, surveillance footage shows that Chambers arrived in the parking lot near a furniture store at around 9 a.m. Wednesday, and temperatures reached 93 degrees that afternoon.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner is expected to complete official autopsy reports this week. Sources told Inforney.com that Chambers had struggled with depression and substance abuse, and that while she had been showing signs of progress the coronavirus crisis affected her mental health.
“Natalie had struggled in the past but had gotten some help and was an amazing mom. Recently, during COVID she had become more depressed and had obviously relapsed,” a relative told the news outlet.
“We are all devastated that the girls had to witness such a tragedy and suffer themselves.”
Chambers’ sister gave a statement to a local CBS affiliate in response to the tragic discovery.
“Natalie was hilarious and charismatic and never met a stranger. She fiercely loved her girls and was an inspirational mother,” Jessica Purcell said.
“I always used to tell her I’m glad she did it (motherhood) first so I can steal parenting tips from her. Izabel and Elise were happy and so very smart and witty,” the statement continued.
“Izabel got that her mom’s sassiness and Elise got her humor. They were beautiful and perfect. Our hearts are completely shattered.”
CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.
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