Mom, her 7-year-old son and his 6-year-old friend drown in ice-covered lake in southern Ill.

Woman, 2 boys drown in ice-covered Ill. lake

WATERLOO, Ill. — 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.