St. Louis, MO – The family of 6-year-old Lailah Austin is devastated following her tragic drowning at the Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Lailah, who was attending a party at the hotel located on the 3700 block of Forest Park Avenue, was discovered unresponsive in the indoor pool by hotel staff around 8:30 p.m.
Emergency responders arrived promptly and rushed Lailah to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical, unstable condition. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, Lailah succumbed to her injuries on Monday, January 20, just days before what would have been her 7th birthday.
The Tragic Incident: What We Know So Far
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident, which has been classified as an “accidental injury.” The department’s Child Abuse Unit is handling the case to ensure all details surrounding the tragedy are thoroughly examined.
Authorities have not yet released additional information, including how Lailah gained access to the pool area or whether safety measures were in place at the time.
Family and Community in Mourning
Lailah’s death has sent shockwaves through her family and the local community. Her parents, who were preparing to celebrate her 7th birthday this coming Sunday, expressed their heartbreak over the loss of their “bright, joyful, and loving” daughter.
Tasha Austin, Lailah’s mother, shared an emotional statement:
“Lailah was our sunshine, our everything. We can’t believe she’s gone. We were so close to celebrating another year of her beautiful life. Our hearts are shattered.”
Support Pours In for Lailah’s Family
Friends, neighbors, and community members have rallied around the Austin family, offering prayers, condolences, and support during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been created to assist with funeral expenses and to help the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Angela Baker, a family friend, described Lailah as “a ray of light” who brought joy to everyone she met:
“Lailah had the biggest smile and the sweetest heart. It’s hard to understand why this happened, but we’re holding her family close and keeping her memory alive.”
Safety Concerns Raised Over Hotel Pool Access
The incident has also sparked concerns about pool safety at hotels, particularly regarding accessibility and supervision during events. Residents are calling for stricter measures, such as enhanced surveillance, better pool access controls, and the presence of lifeguards at indoor pools.
Sarah Monroe, a child safety advocate, emphasized the need for increased awareness and prevention:
“This heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols, especially in public pool areas. One tragedy is one too many.”
Call for Witnesses and Information
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone who attended the party or has information about the incident to come forward.
Contact Information for Tips:
- St. Louis Police Department (Non-Emergency): (314) 231-1212
- Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
Candlelight Vigil Planned to Honor Lailah
The community is organizing a candlelight vigil to honor Lailah’s memory and celebrate her life. The vigil will take place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Forest Park, near the Grand Basin.
The event will include a moment of silence, the release of balloons in Lailah’s favorite colors, and an opportunity for family and friends to share memories of the young girl who touched so many lives.
A Heartbreaking Reminder
As the investigation continues, the tragic death of Lailah Austin serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in public spaces. While her family mourns the loss of their precious daughter, they remain surrounded by a supportive community determined to honor her memory.
Further updates will be provided as more information about the investigation becomes available.
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