Woman, 2 Boys Drown In Ice-Covered Lake

By Anna Deem in News on Feb 21, 2010 6:45PM

Authorities in southern Illinois reported today that a mother, her 7-year-old son, and his 6-year-old friend appear to have fallen through the ice and drowned in a lake in St. Clair County. The victims have been identified as 40-year-old Kathy Baxmeyer, her son, Kadin, and his friend Steve "Austin" Baum. Authorities said the bodies were recovered from the lake early Saturday.

The investigation began after authorities received a report that the 6-year-old boy was missing. Officials say they searched the lake at the Baxmeyer's residence after boots and gloves were found nearby. The deaths have been reported as accidental, but an investigation and autopsies are still under way. [Chicago Tribune]