'My heart is broken': Grieving dad speaks about daughter's death in hot car while mum was allegedly sleeping

A grieving father has spoken about his heartbreak following the death of his daughter, who was allegedly left to die inside a hot car while her mother was sleeping.

Police in Florida say Joy Monell-Merritt, two, died after her mother, Jessica Monell, left her inside a van for several hours while she was inside her apartment.

Investigators say the toddler may have been inside the scorching hot van for several hours. 

"My heart is broken," Joy's father, Donald Merritt, told Fox10.

He is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, one week on. He says his daughter had recently celebrated her second birthday.

The publication reports Monell has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, and three counts of drug possession.

She remains in custody without bail.

Merritt said he was no longer in a relationship with his daughter's mother and that the child did not live with him.

He says he shared a special bond with Joy.

"I don't think anyone has ever taught me that much about life in such a short time; about what love is.

"She was my best friend, she loved me, she loved me a lot, she taught me a lot about life and about love and she still is."

Police have not released an official cause of death until an autopsy is complete.