Local News
10-year-old London Woodard died after fire in Washington Heights neighborhood
His 18-year-old brother, Mikah Glass, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was also rescued from the home.
A tragic early-morning house fire in Chicago has claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy and left his older brother in critical condition, according to authorities and family members.
The fire broke out at approximately 3:27 a.m. at a residence near 105th Street and Green Street.
The Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to bring the fire under control after rescuing two individuals from inside the home.
Firefighters located 10-year-old London Woodard inside the residence, reportedly on a couch, suffering from severe smoke inhalation.
He was transported to Roseland Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
His 18-year-old brother, Mikah Glass, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was also rescued from the home.
He sustained significant smoke inhalation and was transported to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Family members stated that both boys were in the living room at the time the fire began, while their parents were asleep upstairs.
The parents were able to escape the home without injury.
According to relatives, the father attempted to reach the children but was unable to do so in time, prompting the mother to seek help from neighbors.
London Woodard is being remembered as a bright and talented young boy, including as an avid basketball player who had recently played in a game just hours before the tragedy.
The Chicago Fire Department is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.
Preliminary information suggests the possibility that an electrical issue, potentially involving an outlet behind the couch, may have contributed to the blaze, though this has not yet been confirmed.
The incident has left the family and community devastated as they mourn the loss of a young life and pray for the recovery of his brother.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.