Please pray for one of my very good friends sister who lives in Illinois. Her son Austin died along with his friend and the friends mother when they fell through ice in their pond behind their home. My friend's sister lost her only son, age 6, her good friend and as well as her friends son...who just turned 7. My heart is truly broken for all of these involved

WATERLOO, IL -- Authorities in southern Illinois say 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.

Officials identified the victims as 40-year-old Kathy Baxmeyer; her son, Kadin; and his friend Steven "Austin" Baum. Authorities said the bodies were recovered from the lake early Saturday.


Authorities say they began investigating after receiving a report that the 6-year-old boy was missing. Officials say they searched the lake at the Baxmeyer's residence after finding boots and gloves nearby.

Authorities say it looks like the deaths were accidental, but that they are investigating and autopsies are planned.

I saw that on FB, how terribly sad.

They are in my thoughts.

May the Lord be with them.

So tragic... my heart goes out to them KT.

Thoughts and prayers.

The families and friends of the boys and the mom are in my thoughts and prayers. How tragic and senseless.

Oh KT

My prayers are with those families and their friends.

I pass a pond on my commute every day, and it scares the bejezzis out of me to see kids on it every day.

This is very close to where I work....actually one of my friends was the diver from the fire dept who went in to find them. There's no end to what a mother won't do for her child...or anyone's child. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the grieving community.

This is horrible. Prayers to everyone involved.

Oh my goodness... My heart is breaking for both families... It's so hard to understand such tragedies, especially when young children are involved...

Your friend and all involved will be in my thoughts.

This is so sad...I can't imagine what they are going through. I have a 6 yr old son and really wish I could give him a big hug right now and tell him that I love him so much.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of them.

Praying for them, KT.

Prayers for both families, how tragic

That is so horrible. I can't imagine the immense loss of a child, and I pray that I never have to.

God be with all of their family and friends.

Oh, my! How awful! I will be praying that God will grant them comfort in the middle of this tragedy.

Prayers for all involved.

That is so heartbreaking. The families are in my thoughts & prayers.

Thoughts and prayers for all the families involved and the friends of these young children.

My prayers are with all those left behind in this tragic situation.

Thank you all for your prayers. My friends, of course, understandably are just having the most unreal time dealing with this awful tragedy...it's so hard to know how to help.

So many of you here have dealt with this kind of loss...I mean all of us have lost people who were really really close and meant the world to us...fathers, mothers, sister, brothers, friends, but not all of us are in the group who have dealt with the unthinkable loss of their child...it's hard for us on this side to really know what to do to comfort somebody in this situation. I guess all one can really do is the same as in any other and that is just...listen and love...and of course silently pray for their peace, strength and comfort....

You said it. Prayers continue.
May all find peace.
May they continue to be held up by those around them.

Sorry, I am just seeing this KT. I will definitely add them to the prayer list! How very tragic for them.