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Tragedy Strikes in Frankfort, WI: 10-Month-Old Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

TOWN OF FRANKFORT, WI — July 16, 2025 — A heartbreaking accident has cast a somber shadow over the tight-knit community of Frankfort in Marathon County following a tragic single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 10-month-old boy. The crash occurred in the late afternoon hours of Wednesday, July 16, in the 22100 block of State Highway 97, sending emergency responders racing to the scene in response to a devastating emergency call.

At approximately 4:38 p.m., the Marathon County Emergency 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a serious crash involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that had veered off the road and landed in a creek. The crash occurred on a rural stretch of Highway 97, nestled between Blueberry Road and Blackberry Road. According to the initial investigation, the SUV had been traveling southbound when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, likely due to wet road conditions that had turned treacherous after recent rainfall.

The vehicle left the highway, careened down an embankment, and came to rest in a shallow creek. When first responders arrived at the scene, they were met with a chaotic and tragic situation. Multiple occupants were inside the SUV, some of whom sustained minor injuries. However, the most devastating discovery came when responders found a 10-month-old infant who had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Despite their immediate efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have confirmed that four other individuals were injured in the crash. They were transported to a local hospital with suspected non-life-threatening injuries. Their current conditions have not been made public, but officials have stated that all were conscious and alert at the time of transport.

The identity of the deceased child has not been released, pending notification of extended family. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with crash reconstruction experts, is actively investigating the incident. While the cause of the crash has not been fully determined, preliminary findings point to slippery roads and excessive speed for the conditions as likely contributing factors. Authorities are also working to determine whether all passengers were properly restrained at the time of the crash.

The loss of such a young life has sent shockwaves throughout the community. Many residents of the Town of Frankfort and surrounding areas are mourning alongside the family, who are said to be devastated and overwhelmed with grief. Local officials and law enforcement have extended their deepest condolences, and grief counselors have been made available to the family and others affected by the tragedy.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike,” said a spokesperson for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. “Our hearts go out to the family of this precious child, and we are doing everything we can to support them during this unimaginable time.”

The crash has also renewed conversations about road safety, child car seat regulations, and the importance of extra caution when driving during inclement weather. Officials are urging drivers to remain vigilant, particularly during the summer months when changing weather patterns can result in sudden road hazards.

As the investigation continues, the community of Frankfort stands in solidarity with the grieving family, offering prayers, comfort, and support. A small memorial of flowers and stuffed animals has already begun to appear near the site of the crash — a silent, sorrowful tribute to a life lost far too soon.

Further details will be released by authorities as they become available. In the meantime, the Town of Frankfort mourns the loss of one of its youngest residents, holding tight to one another in the face of unimaginable sorrow.

Police Scotland Update: Tragic Loss of 14-Year-Old Aiden McLuckie in Ayrshire Crash

Police Scotland have confirmed the identity of the young pedestrian who tragically lost his life following a fatal road collision in Ayrshire. The victim has been named as 14-year-old Aiden McLuckie, a beloved son, friend, and member of the Hurlford community. The devastating incident occurred around 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, on the A76 near Hurlford, at the bridge spanning Cessnock Water.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their best efforts, Aiden was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The road remained closed for several hours as accident investigators carried out a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Aiden was known throughout the area for his warm smile, kind heart, and vibrant energy. His sudden and tragic passing has sent waves of grief through the small Ayrshire village, where family, friends, classmates, and neighbors are mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon. Floral tributes, heartfelt messages, and candles have begun to appear at the bridge, where members of the public have gathered to pay their respects.

Chief Inspector Laura Boyd of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit issued the following statement:

“This is an incredibly tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Aiden’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. Our officers are providing support to them, and we are working to establish the full circumstances of the collision. We would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward as it could greatly assist our investigation.”

Aiden’s family, who are understandably devastated, have requested privacy as they try to cope with the unimaginable pain of their loss. In a brief tribute, they described Aiden as a “bright, kind-hearted boy with so much life ahead of him” and expressed their deep sorrow at his untimely death.

The tragedy has reignited concerns over pedestrian safety along the A76, a busy route that has seen previous incidents. Local community leaders have called for a review of safety measures near the bridge and surrounding areas, emphasizing the need to ensure that such a heartbreaking event does not happen again.

As Police Scotland continue their investigation, they have appealed to the public:

“Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident or may have any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2716 of 16 July 2025.”

The entire community of Hurlford and beyond is united in grief over the loss of Aiden McLuckie—a young life remembered with love, and now mourned by many.

Tragedy in Union, Maine: Teen Arrested in Connection to the Death of Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart

UNION, MAINE — A wave of grief and unanswered questions has swept through the close-knit community of Union following a tragic incident on Crawford Pond that has now taken a shocking turn. Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old boy from Maine has been arrested in connection with the death of Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart, a vibrant and beloved 21-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short after she went paddleboarding on the serene waters of the pond.

The heartbreaking incident unfolded earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the region. Stewart, described by friends and family as adventurous, kind-hearted, and full of light, was last seen alive heading out on her paddleboard for what was meant to be a peaceful afternoon on the water. When she didn’t return, concern quickly mounted. Her body was later discovered in the water near her paddleboard, sparking an immediate investigation by the Maine State Police and local authorities.

Initially, the circumstances surrounding Stewart’s death were unclear, and officials treated the situation as suspicious due to inconsistencies in the scene and early witness statements. Now, in a major development, police have taken into custody a 17-year-old male suspect, whose identity has not been released due to his age. The teen is facing charges in connection with Stewart’s death, though officials have not disclosed whether the charges will ultimately include murder, manslaughter, or another criminal classification.

What has especially stunned the community is the police’s confirmation of the cause of death. Following a thorough autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, it was determined that Stewart died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head — a revelation that strongly suggests foul play. This grim discovery turned what was initially feared to be a tragic accident into a criminal investigation, prompting swift law enforcement action and the eventual arrest of the teenage suspect.

Investigators have remained tight-lipped about the details of what led up to the incident on Crawford Pond. It is not yet clear how Stewart and the suspect knew each other, what events transpired on the day of her death, or what motive—if any—may be attributed to the accused. Police have assured the public that they are pursuing all leads and continue to build their case with assistance from forensic specialists and interviews with those close to both the victim and the suspect.

For those who knew Sunny Stewart, the news has been devastating. A graduate of Camden Hills Regional High School and a current student at the University of Southern Maine, Stewart was known for her infectious smile, artistic spirit, and love for nature. Her passion for the outdoors often brought her to the lakes, trails, and mountains of her home state. Friends remember her as someone who radiated positivity and compassion, a person who “lived life with a warmth that touched everyone around her.”

“She was just sunshine, exactly like her name,” said Melissa Hanley, one of Stewart’s childhood friends. “She loved people, loved the outdoors, and had so many dreams she was working toward. It doesn’t make sense — it’s so senseless.”

A vigil held on the shores of Crawford Pond in the days following her death drew hundreds of mourners, who lit candles and released lanterns over the water in her memory. Tears were shed, prayers were whispered, and stories were shared about the young woman who had touched so many lives in her short time.

As the legal process moves forward, questions continue to weigh heavily on the hearts of Union residents: What exactly happened on that pond? Why would someone harm such a gentle soul? And what justice will look like for Sunny Stewart?

For now, the community is left grappling with both sorrow and shock, holding onto one another as they mourn the loss of a young woman who had so much life left to live. Her family has requested privacy as they prepare for services and begin the long and painful process of grieving.

Authorities have stated that more details will be released as the investigation progresses and court proceedings begin. The teenage suspect remains in juvenile custody, with a hearing scheduled in the coming days. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of seeking to have him charged as an adult, depending on the final results of the investigation.

The town of Union, normally a tranquil and picturesque place nestled in the heart of Maine, has been forever altered by this tragedy — a painful reminder that even in the quietest corners of the world, darkness can find its way in.

Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart’s legacy, however, is one of light, laughter, and love — a legacy her community is determined to honor as they search for healing and justice.

Family of Maria Pike Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Independence Police Officers Following Tragic Shooting

Jackson County, MO — In a deeply emotional and hard-fought search for justice, the family of Maria Pike has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit Court following a devastating police shooting that occurred in November of last year in Independence, Missouri. The shooting claimed the life of 26-year-old Maria Pike and her 1-year-old daughter, Ava Pike, sending shockwaves through the local community and igniting widespread calls for accountability and police reform.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, names multiple Independence Police Department (IPD) officers as defendants and alleges that the fatal encounter violated Maria Pike’s constitutional rights, specifically citing the use of excessive and unjustified deadly force. According to court filings, the family contends that the actions of the officers involved were not only reckless but demonstrated a “complete disregard for human life,” particularly given the presence of an infant during the incident.

A Tragic Night

The incident took place on the evening of November 22, 2024, after police were called to a domestic disturbance at a residence on the east side of Independence. According to the department’s initial statements, officers believed Maria Pike to be armed and dangerous — a claim that has since come under intense scrutiny. Eyewitnesses and body cam footage, partially released months later, showed Maria stepping out of the home holding her infant daughter while officers commanded her to drop an object that was later identified as a cell phone.

Moments later, officers opened fire, striking both Maria and Ava. The mother and child were pronounced dead at the scene.

Claims of Negligence and Misconduct

In the complaint, attorneys for the Pike family allege multiple failures on the part of the officers, including failure to properly assess the threat level, lack of de-escalation efforts, and gross negligence in their handling of a visibly distressed mother holding her child. The lawsuit also alleges that officers failed to follow departmental policy regarding use-of-force protocols and that they fired without a clear line of sight, endangering innocent life.

“Maria Pike was unarmed, frightened, and holding her baby,” said the family’s attorney, Marcus Bellamy, during a press conference. “Instead of compassion or care, she was met with gunfire. What happened that night was not policing — it was an execution. And now a family is shattered, and a child’s life was cut short before it even had a chance to begin.”

A Community Still in Mourning

The shooting reignited conversations across Missouri about law enforcement accountability and the urgent need for reforms surrounding police encounters with mentally distressed individuals or domestic disputes. Community members held multiple candlelight vigils in the weeks following the tragedy, demanding transparency, justice, and a change in protocol.

“We want answers, and we want change,” said Linda Pike, Maria’s mother and Ava’s grandmother. “Two generations were taken from us in seconds. The officers responsible need to face the consequences of their actions. This can’t keep happening.”

The family’s lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the Independence Police Department. They are also urging the department to implement mandatory training programs focused on crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and handling cases involving minors.

Ongoing Investigations

The Missouri State Highway Patrol was tasked with conducting an independent investigation into the incident, but after more than eight months, no criminal charges have been filed against the officers involved. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has yet to release a final determination on whether charges will be pursued, citing an “ongoing review of additional evidence.”

Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU of Missouri and the NAACP, have publicly supported the Pike family, joining their call for a federal investigation into the Independence Police Department’s history of excessive force allegations.

A Fight for Justice and Change

For the Pike family, the lawsuit is not just about compensation—it is a stand for justice and a plea for systemic change.

“This is not just our pain,” said Maria’s sister, Jordan Pike. “This is a pattern that must be broken. No family should ever have to bury their daughter and granddaughter because police failed to do their jobs responsibly.”

As the case proceeds through the courts, it is likely to draw national attention, becoming another critical flashpoint in the ongoing dialogue about police accountability and the use of deadly force in the United States.

The tragedy of Maria and Ava Pike will not be forgotten — not by their family, not by their community, and not by the growing chorus of voices demanding reform in their names.

In Loving Memory of Robert Montgomery
A Statement from the New Jersey State Field Archery Association (NJSFAA)

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we, the New Jersey State Field Archery Association (NJSFAA), extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire archery community following the tragic loss of Robert Montgomery. His untimely passing at Black Knight Bowbenders Archery Club has left an immeasurable void in our hearts and in the sport we all love.

Robert was not only a skilled and passionate archer, but also a cherished member of our field archery family. He was a constant presence at events, always offering encouragement, camaraderie, and a genuine smile that warmed any range he stepped onto. His love for archery ran deep, evident in the way he mentored newcomers, supported his fellow competitors, and championed the spirit of sportsmanship and unity. He represented the very best of what our community stands for—dedication, integrity, and kindness.

The news of Robert’s passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the entire archery community, especially among those who had the honor of shooting alongside him or calling him a friend. The Black Knight Bowbenders Archery Club, where this tragedy occurred, was a second home to Robert, and it now serves as a place marked by both the memories of his presence and the ache of his absence. We hold the club and all of its members close in our thoughts as they navigate this difficult and painful time.

Robert’s impact extended far beyond the archery field. He was a son, a friend, a teammate, and a light to those who knew him. His passion, humility, and generous spirit touched countless lives, and we know that the loss felt today is a reflection of how deeply he was loved and respected.

As an association, we mourn not only for the loss of a talented archer, but also for the loss of a truly good human being. In the days and weeks ahead, we will honor Robert’s memory by supporting one another, sharing stories of his strength and humor, and ensuring his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of archers.

To Robert’s family, we offer our most heartfelt sympathy. We cannot begin to comprehend the pain you are enduring, but please know that the entire NJSFAA family stands with you. Your grief is our grief, and your loss is shared by so many who admired and cared for Robert.

May we find comfort in the memories, strength in one another, and healing in the unity of our community. And may Robert Montgomery forever rest in peace, his arrow flying ever true in the fields of eternity.

With all our love, prayers, and respect,
The New Jersey State Field Archery Association (NJSFAA)