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Family Devastated After Drowning of 6-Year-Old Girl at Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel

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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.

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.

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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.


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2-Year-Old Aurora Wenzel Dies After Devastating Two-Vehicle Crash in Isabella County, Michigan

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2-Year-Old Aurora Dies After Devastating Two-Vehicle Crash in Isabella County, Michigan

ISABELLA COUNTY, Mich. — A heartbreaking traffic collision in Isabella County has claimed the life of 2-year-old Aurora Wenzel, a young girl from Alma, Michigan. The toddler died after a two-vehicle crash in Coe Township on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2026, leaving her family and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss.

According to the Michigan State Police, the collision occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of East Coe Road and South East County Line Road.

Aurora was a passenger in a 2023 Hyundai Kona involved in the crash. Despite being rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, the little girl sadly did not survive.

Investigators said a 2023 Hyundai Kona, driven by a 22-year-old man, was traveling westbound on East Coe Road when it was struck by a 2021 Chrysler Voyager.

The impact caused the Hyundai to overturn, leaving several people injured.

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Aurora was among those inside the Hyundai. She sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she later died.

The driver and two additional occupants of the Hyundai were also taken to the hospital. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

Authorities have not provided further details about the occupants of the Chrysler Voyager or the full circumstances leading up to the collision.

Following the tragedy, Aurora’s mother, Natalie Long-Terwilliger, shared an emotional message on Facebook confirming the loss of her beloved daughter.

According to her mother’s account, the family had been returning home after a short shopping trip when the crash occurred.

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She also shared a touching detail about Aurora’s final day. The little girl had spent time choosing beautiful winter dresses for her pageants and upcoming photographs.

What may have seemed like an ordinary shopping trip became a memory the family will carry forever. Those simple moments of happiness, spent together choosing outfits and enjoying time as a family, have now taken on a heartbreaking meaning.

At just two years old, Aurora had so much of childhood ahead of her. Her family had dreams to watch her grow, celebrate her milestones, and make countless memories together. Her life was tragically cut short before she had the chance to experience all that the future could have held.

Aurora’s mother also expressed gratitude to the people who stopped to help at the scene, the first responders, medical professionals, and the family members and friends who have offered support during this painful time.

Michigan State Police said alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been contributing factors in the collision.

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Preliminary findings suggest that a driver may have failed to obey a stop sign. However, investigators have not completed their work, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

Authorities have not announced any final conclusions regarding responsibility for the collision.

The loss of a young child is a devastating tragedy, and Aurora’s death has left her family facing a future without the little girl they loved so dearly.

Although her time on earth was heartbreakingly short, the memories she created with her family will remain part of their lives forever. Her final day, filled with the simple joy of choosing dresses and spending time with loved ones, will be remembered with both love and sorrow.

Our deepest condolences go out to Natalie Long-Terwilliger, Aurora’s father, their family, friends, and everyone mourning this precious little girl. May they find strength, comfort, and support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

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Rest peacefully, sweet Aurora. Gone far too soon, loved beyond words, and never forgotten.


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