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.
A 26-year-old man from Odenville has died following a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon in Leeds, according to authorities.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Toye Kyle Jackson, 26, of Odenville.
Officials said Jackson was operating a motorcycle that was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred at approximately 4:25 p.m. Thursday in the 7200 block of Elliot Lane in Leeds.
Jackson was the sole rider on the motorcycle at the time of the incident.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and Jackson was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of serious injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 5:22 p.m.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash, including the condition of the driver of the other vehicle involved.
The Leeds Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the collision.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the events that led up to the crash.