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.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed Wednesday night after being thrown from his motorcycle and struck by several vehicles on Interstate 35 in New Braunfels, authorities said.
New Braunfels police officers and fire crews responded at approximately 10:30 p.m. to the 2400 block of I-35 South, near the Schmidt Avenue overpass, following reports of a motorcycle crash.
Preliminary information indicates that the motorcyclist, identified as 22-year-old Weston Waxler, was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Officials said Waxler was thrown from his motorcycle and was subsequently struck by several vehicles traveling through the area.
Waxler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said his next of kin has been notified.
The fatal crash resulted in a lengthy closure of the southbound main lanes of Interstate 35. The affected section of the highway remained closed for approximately five and a half hours while traffic crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The closure caused traffic disruptions in the area as authorities processed the crash scene and conducted their investigation.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, authorities do not expect criminal charges to be filed in connection with the crash.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.