Local News
77-year-old Frances Lenoir drowns in Spanish Lake County Park
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Missouri — Authorities have identified a 77-year-old woman who died following a drowning incident at Spanish Lake County Park on Sunday afternoon.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m. to the 12600 block of Spanish Pond Road following reports of a possible drowning.
Upon arrival, first responders located a woman in the lake and immediately initiated emergency measures.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Officials have identified her as Frances Lenoir, 77, of St. Louis.
Investigators say early evidence suggests Lenoir may have been fishing near the water’s edge when she accidentally fell into the lake.
Authorities have indicated that the incident appears to be accidental in nature, with no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances at this time.
The investigation remains open as detectives continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.
Officials remind the public to exercise caution around bodies of water, particularly when alone or near uneven terrain, as safety remains a priority in public parks.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.