A frantic search for a missing child in St. Louis' Central West End ended in heartbreak early Friday when police found a 3-year-old boy dead, and authorities say he may have fallen from a window. Detectives responded to the scene and opened an investigation. Officials have not yet released the boy's name while that inquiry continues.
Police said the child was first reported missing early Friday, then later located at a residence in the Central West End. Investigators told reporters the boy apparently fell from a window and that his death is under investigation, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The outlet reported that authorities had not provided further details at the time of publication.
Window falls are a known hazard for toddlers
Unintentional falls are a leading cause of nonfatal injury for children, and falls from windows are among the accidents that can send young kids to the emergency room, Safe Kids Worldwide notes. Safety advocates stress that regular window screens are not designed to hold a child's weight and recommend installing window guards or stops and keeping furniture away from window sills so small children cannot easily climb up.
Simple steps to reduce risk at home
Experts recommend installing window guards with emergency-release devices on upper-floor windows, using window stops so they open only a few inches, and moving beds and chairs away from windows to make climbing less tempting. A fall-prevention guide from Penn State Health's children's program lists those same measures and urges caregivers to closely supervise toddlers near open windows and use approved safety devices whenever possible. Local fire departments and child-safety groups can often help families with installations or provide safety checklists.
St. Louis police say the investigation into the boy's death is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact authorities, the Post-Dispatch reports. This story will be updated if officials release additional details.
