Local News
29-year-old Alexander Baerhold killed in crash on George Jenkins Boulevard in Lakeland
LAKELAND, Fla. — Authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a 29-year-old Lakeland man Tuesday afternoon in Lakeland.
According to the Lakeland Police Department, the collision occurred on May 5, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m. in the 1600 block of George Jenkins Boulevard.
Investigators said a black Nissan SUV, driven by Leah Sykes, 35, of Spring Hill, was traveling eastbound on George Jenkins Boulevard at the same time a yellow motorcycle operated by Alexander Baerhold, 29, of Lakeland, was traveling westbound.
Police said that as the vehicles entered the intersection, the Nissan attempted to make a left turn directly in front of the motorcycle.
The motorcycle then collided with the passenger side of the SUV.
Officers with the Lakeland Police Department, along with crews from Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department, responded to the scene and immediately began life-saving efforts.
Baerhold was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he later died despite extensive medical treatment.
Authorities said the driver of the Nissan SUV was not injured in the collision.
Members of the department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. George Jenkins Boulevard remained shut down for approximately two and a half hours while investigators processed the crash scene and collected evidence.
Officials confirmed the investigation remains open and active as detectives work to determine all contributing factors surrounding the fatal collision.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information is encouraged to contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at Travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.
The tragic death of Alexander Baerhold has left family, friends, and the Lakeland community grieving the loss of a young motorcyclist whose life ended suddenly in the midday crash.
Authorities continue reminding motorists to use caution at intersections and remain alert for motorcycles, especially during turning maneuvers where visibility and right-of-way are critical.
Local News
Jasmine Henson and her four children died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas
CANTON, Texas — Jasmine Henson and her four children have reportedly died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas.
The children were trapped inside the burning home early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, and a fourth child who was rescued alive later died at a hospital, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer.
Henson was also hospitalized after the fire and reportedly later died.
The tragedy has devastated the family and shaken the surrounding community, with neighbors, school officials and local residents mourning the loss of the children and expressing support for surviving relatives.
According to the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office, multiple fire departments responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to a reported structure fire near County Road 4127 and County Road 4128.
Three occupants reportedly managed to escape the burning structure, but four children remained trapped inside.
The fire was so intense that firefighters reportedly had to breach an exterior wall to enter the home. Once inside, crews found the children, but three had already died from their injuries.
The children were described as a 3-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy.
A fourth child, a 10-year-old boy, was found alive and airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, the child later died, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer confirmed, bringing the number of child fatalities to four.
The children’s mother, Jasmine Henson, was also transported by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital after the fire.
According to the supplied account, a family member said Henson suffered extensive burns and was placed on life support. The later update states that she subsequently died, although an official confirmation of her death and the timing of that update should be verified before publication.
The initial reports also indicated that two other occupants were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Their identities and current medical conditions have not been fully detailed in the information provided.
The reported deaths of Henson and all four children have turned the incident into an especially devastating loss for the family and the Canton community.
The Van Zandt County Peace Officer’s Association reportedly identified the family as the Hensons. The children’s grandfather reportedly serves with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
Neighbors described being awakened by screams and the smell of smoke as the fire unfolded. One neighbor, speaking to CBS19, recalled seeing the children riding their bicycles outside regularly and described them as sweet, well-liked youngsters who had become familiar faces in the neighborhood.
Those memories have added to the heartbreak felt by residents as they come to terms with the loss of four young children and their mother.
Canton Independent School District issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of students connected to Canton Elementary and Canton Intermediate Schools.
The district extended its condolences to the Henson family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Canton ISD also announced that counselors and support staff would be available on campus in the coming days to help students and employees cope with the loss.
School officials emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness and community support during the difficult period.
A prayer vigil was reportedly held Wednesday at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton, allowing community members to gather, pray and remember those affected by the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not been publicly released. The Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident, and officials may provide additional details as the investigation continues.
As the community mourns, attention remains focused on the surviving occupants, the grieving family and the firefighters who entered the burning structure in an effort to save the children.
The deaths of Jasmine Henson and her four children represent an unimaginable loss. Residents are being encouraged to support those affected and keep the family, survivors and first responders in their thoughts as investigators work to determine what caused the fire.