Local News
7-year-old boy undergoing emergency heart surgery after being injured by falling drones during a Christmas holiday show in Orlando
Orlando, FL – A festive Christmas drone show in Orlando turned into a chaotic scene Saturday evening when drones collided mid-air and plummeted into the crowd below at high speed, resulting in several reported injuries, including a young boy who is now in critical condition.
The incident occurred during the 6:30 p.m. performance at Lake Eola Park, where hundreds of drones from Sky Elements Drones, in partnership with the City of Orlando, were orchestrating an elaborate display of red and green lights.
The drones were programmed to form intricate holiday-themed patterns, enchanting the audience before the mishap.
Eyewitness videos captured the moment of the collision, as gasps of surprise and cries from frightened children echoed throughout the crowd.
In one video, a young child’s voice can be heard asking, “What’s happening?” as the malfunctioning drones plummeted toward the ground.
The Orlando Fire Department reported that one person sustained minor injuries during the incident.
However, two mothers, Jessica Lumedge and Adriana Edgerton, claimed that their young son was struck in the face by a falling drone and is now “fighting for his life” in the emergency room.
The boy’s mothers shared emotional updates on social media, accompanied by photos of their son in a hospital bed with visible injuries. Jessica Lumedge wrote, “Pray for my son, we went to the drone show at Lake Eola, and one of the drones hit him in the face. I’ve never been so scared.”
Adriana Edgerton echoed the sentiment, adding, “My baby is going into emergency heart surgery after just trying to watch a drone show. I am beyond words, beyond terrified. [The City of Orlando] and Sky Elements Drones really have some explaining to do. They will be held accountable for what was done to my son. I pray he makes it out of this!”
Despite the accident, the show continued for the remainder of the 6:30 p.m. performance. However, the subsequent 8 p.m. show was canceled, the City of Orlando announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Andrea Otero, the city’s public information manager, told People magazine, “We are in contact with the vendor to determine what occurred with the operation. The FAA is handling the investigation.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now working with local officials and the drone operator, Sky Elements Drones, to uncover the cause of the mid-air collision.
This incident has raised concerns over safety protocols for public drone displays and left the Orlando community shaken. The thoughts of many remain with the injured boy and his family as they await updates on his condition.
Local News
Family Devastated After Drowning of 6-Year-Old Girl at Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel
St. Louis, MO — A family is mourning the loss of 6-year-old Lailah Austin, who tragically drowned while attending a party at the Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the hotel, located in the 3700 block of Forest Park Avenue, around 8:30 p.m. after receiving a report from hotel staff who discovered the child unresponsive in the indoor pool.
Emergency responders rushed Lailah to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical, unstable condition.
Despite medical efforts, Lailah succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Monday, January 20.
Her family is heartbroken, especially as they were preparing to celebrate her upcoming 7th birthday this Sunday.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has classified the incident as an “accidental injury” and has assigned its Child Abuse Unit to lead the investigation. Authorities have not released additional details at this time.
The tragic incident remains under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Lailah’s family, friends, and the community are rallying together to remember the young girl and support her loved ones during this difficult time.