Latest news with #StFrancoisCounty
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
13-year-old boy still in coma six days after rescue
ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. – A young boy rescued in St. Francois County after days without food or water remains in a coma. But new details show his 11-year-old brother is the one who helped make a major breakthrough in the rescue. Cody Trenkle, 13, was found last Wednesday in a ravine in St. Francois County after he had been missing for three days. His mom, Stephanie Neely, has not left his side in the hospital ever since. 'I'm grateful and hopeful, terrified still, because he's still in critical condition,' she said. It was early Sunday on July 27 when Cody hopped on his skateboard and headed toward a friend's house. Then, he disappeared. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Since that day, that evening, I never stopped looking for him,' Neely said. An entire community around Goose Creek Lake joined in the search through thick woods and rugged terrain. Wednesday, Cody's 11-year-old brother, Stephen, made a life-saving discovery. 'He spotted the skateboard lying on the side of the road and immediately slapped the hood of the truck and said, 'Grandma! Grandma! I found the skateboard!'' Neely said. That put Farmington Correctional Center K9 Darrell on the right track. The rescue team found Cody approximately 500 yards away and 240 feet down a ravine, in a foot of water. 'He didn't know his name. He didn't know where he was,' Neely said. Cody was airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital. He'd been exposed to the elements for nearly 80 hours, suffered brain bleeding, severe head trauma, pneumonia, and other infections from being in the water for so long. Exorcist-inspired site now looks like a villain's clubhouse 'Some things will get better some days and then we'll take three steps backward with another thing,' Neely said. The St. Francois County sheriff does not suspect foul play but hopes Cody will wake up and shed some light on what happened. 'I have not left his side since he's been in the hospital, and I refuse to. Not until he's awake,' Neely said. Cody has been in intensive care since his rescue and there is no timeframe for when he might be able to leave the hospital. A family member has set up a GoFundMe page for people who want to help support Cody's recovery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
01-08-2025
- Daily Mail
Missing skateboarder, 13, is found alive four days after vanishing
A 13-year-old Missouri boy missing for more than four days has been found alive in a ravine near his home, but he remains in critical condition after suffering serious injuries, officials confirmed. Dakota 'Cody' Trenkle Jr. was reported missing on Sunday morning after he left home on his skateboard, headed to a friend's house near the 6400 block of Eagle Lane in the Goose Creek Lake community of St. Francois County. When Cody failed to arrive, his family frantically turned to social media in hopes of finding clues about their loved one's mysterious disappearance. With no leads, they contacted local law enforcement, who quickly began circulating flyers for the missing teen. A large-scale search effort ensued, including members of the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and community volunteers. After days of searching with no success, officials requested assistance from the Farmington Correctional Center K-9 Unit. On Wednesday, with the help of a trained bloodhound named Daryl, search teams tracked Cody's scent through dense, rugged terrain. He was located alive around noon that day - 540 yards from where his skateboard had been found earlier and about half a mile from his home. He was discovered lying in approximately one foot of water at the bottom of a steep ravine, which featured a 240-foot elevation drop, according to FirstAlert4. Officials said Cody suffered a traumatic leg injury, a brain bleed, severe dehydration, and other symptoms of extreme exposure. He had been without food or clean water for nearly 96 hours. After his discovery, Cody was airlifted by ARCH helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis, where he remained in critical condition as of Thursday evening. 'This was an incredibly difficult search, both physically and emotionally,' St. Francois County Sheriff Jeff Crites told KSDK5. 'Finding Dakota alive after so many days is nothing short of a miracle. We are thankful to everyone who contributed their time and energy to bring him home.' Cody's aunt, Brittney Van Volkenburg - a volunteer firefighter with the Goose Creek Lake Fire Department - helped coordinate the search effort. 'I posted the flyer in our department group chat and said, "This is my nephew. We need to get a search team together," she said, adding that 'everyone was immediately on board'. After Cody's skateboard was located on Wednesday, Van Volkenburg contacted the correctional facility where she works to expedite the K-9 response. Within minutes, bloodhound Daryl and his handlers began tracking. Lieutenant Virginia Stafford, one of the K-9 handlers, told KSDK5 that Daryl quickly picked up Cody's scent and led them through overgrown terrain. '[Daryl] did lead us down to him,' Stafford said. She recalled that when they reached Cody, 'he was looking at us whenever we got up to him,' though he was too dehydrated to speak. Despite his battered condition, Van Volkenburg believes her nephew was 'excited to see us for sure.' Authorities believe that overnight rain may have helped cool Cody's body and prevent further complications. Miraculously, and despite his injuries, doctors found no broken bones - and according to his family, he is currently being kept in a medically induced coma to help stabilize brain activity. 'He was born a preemie. He's been a fighter since the day he was born,' Van Volkenburg said. 'We're hoping he pulls through. It's still rocky, but we're praying.' The St. Francois County Sheriff's Department said the incident appears to be accidental, with no evidence of foul play, however, the investigation remains ongoing. Emergency crews involved in the rescue effort - including the Goose Creek Fire Department, Farmington Correctional Center K-9 Unit, St. Francois County Ambulance District, and ARCH Medical - were praised for their collaboration. 'This response showcases the power of community collaboration and multi-agency coordination,' the sheriff's office said. 'We are incredibly grateful to every individual who played a role in bringing Dakota home.' Cody's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical expenses.
Daily Mail
01-08-2025
- Daily Mail
Missing skateboarder, 13, is found alive four days after vanishing - but there's very bad news for his family
A 13-year-old Missouri boy missing for more than four days has been found alive in a ravine near his home, but he remains in critical condition after suffering serious injuries, officials confirmed. Dakota 'Cody' Trenkle Jr. was reported missing on Sunday morning after he left home on his skateboard, headed to a friend's house near the 6400 block of Eagle Lane in the Goose Creek Lake community of St. Francois County. When Cody failed to arrive, his family frantically turned to social media in hopes of finding clues about their loved one's mysterious disappearance. With no leads, they contacted local law enforcement, who quickly began circulating flyers for the missing teen. A large-scale search effort ensued, including members of the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and community volunteers. After days of searching with no success, officials requested assistance from the Farmington Correctional Center K-9 Unit. On Wednesday, with the help of a trained bloodhound named Daryl, search teams tracked Cody's scent through dense, rugged terrain. He was located alive around noon that day - 540 yards from where his skateboard had been found earlier and about half a mile from his home. He was discovered lying in approximately one foot of water at the bottom of a steep ravine, which featured a 240-foot elevation drop, according to FirstAlert4. Officials said Cody suffered a traumatic leg injury, a brain bleed, severe dehydration, and other symptoms of extreme exposure. He had been without food or clean water for nearly 96 hours. After his discovery, Cody was airlifted by ARCH helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis, where he remained in critical condition as of Thursday evening. 'This was an incredibly difficult search, both physically and emotionally,' St. Francois County Sheriff Jeff Crites told KSDK5. 'Finding Dakota alive after so many days is nothing short of a miracle. We are thankful to everyone who contributed their time and energy to bring him home.' Cody's aunt, Brittney Van Volkenburg - a volunteer firefighter with the Goose Creek Lake Fire Department - helped coordinate the search effort. 'I posted the flyer in our department group chat and said, "This is my nephew. We need to get a search team together," she said, adding that 'everyone was immediately on board.' After Cody's skateboard was located on Wednesday, Van Volkenburg contacted the correctional facility where she works to expedite the K-9 response. Within minutes, bloodhound Daryl and his handlers began tracking. Lieutenant Virginia Stafford, one of the K-9 handlers, told KSDK5 that Daryl quickly picked up Cody's scent and led them through overgrown terrain. '[Daryl] did lead us down to him,' Stafford said. She recalled that when they reached Cody, 'he was looking at us whenever we got up to him,' though he was too dehydrated to speak. Despite his battered condition, Van Volkenburg believes her nephew was 'excited to see us for sure.' Authorities believe that overnight rain may have helped cool Cody's body and prevent further complications. Miraculously, and despite his injuries, doctors found no broken bones - and according to his family, he is currently being kept in a medically induced coma to help stabilize brain activity. 'He was born a preemie. He's been a fighter since the day he was born,' Van Volkenburg said. 'We're hoping he pulls through. It's still rocky, but we're praying.' The St. Francois County Sheriff's Department said the incident appears to be accidental, with no evidence of foul play, however, the investigation remains ongoing. Emergency crews involved in the rescue effort - including the Goose Creek Fire Department, Farmington Correctional Center K-9 Unit, St. Francois County Ambulance District, and ARCH Medical - were praised for their collaboration. 'This response showcases the power of community collaboration and multi-agency coordination,' the sheriff's office said. 'We are incredibly grateful to every individual who played a role in bringing Dakota home.' Cody's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical expenses.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sheriff's Dept. turns over findings in daycare death to Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Editor's note: This clip is from May 19, 2025 PARK HILLS, Mo. – The St. Francois County Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation into the death of 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft. Ashcraft, a boy with special needs, died at the Poppy's Playhouse 2 daycare earlier this month. According to a FOX 2 report, the Missouri Office of Childhood sent a letter to the facility, saying that Conrad was secluded in a hallway during naptime because he was whining and crying. The statement continued to say that a provider at the center trapped his arms in a tucked blanket and laid her legs down over his legs. It says she covered him with an 18.2 lb. weighted blanket. No one checked on the child for hours, and he was found dead four hours later when his mom showed up to pick him up. Conrad was laid to rest on May 23, and since then, the daycare has lost its license. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now His death sparked outrage, with many calling for justice, as no charges have been filed at this point. The St. Francois County sent a statement to FOX 2 on May 30, with new details in relation to the investigation. According to the department, it turned over 'relevant' findings of Conrad's death to the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review on May 29. 'This step ensures a thorough and impartial assessment of the case in accordance with the legal procedures,' the department wrote. The department says it is awaiting additional reports from external sources that could potentially contribute to the investigation. 'Any decisions regarding criminal prosecution will be made by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office upon completion of the review process,' the department concluded. Future updates regarding the investigation will be provided once it becomes available, according to the department, but so far, no charges have been filed as of now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Boy laid to rest as daycare death investigation continues
PARK HILLS, Mo. – Hundreds show their support for Conrad Ashcraft, the 3-year-old boy who died at daycare in Park Hills. The daycare, Poppy's Playhouse 2, has lost its license. Missouri's Office of Childhood wrote a letter to the facility, stating that Conrad was secluded in a hallway during naptime because he was whining and crying. It says a provider at the center trapped his arms in a tucked blanket and laid her legs down over his legs. It says she covered him with an 18.2 lb. weighted blanket. No one checked on Conrad for hours. He was found dead four hours later when his mom showed up to pick him up. No charges have been filed at this point. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Hours before the funeral was set to take place on Friday, hundreds had shown up at the funeral home to show their support. Cars were painted with 'Justice for Conrad.' Blue balloons and banners hung around town to raise autism awareness in his honor. 'I know these streets will be lined, I'm sure, from here all the way to the gravesite. There's going to be a tremendous amount of support,' Conrad's cousin, Danielle Love, said. Family friend Justin Williams also has a child with autism. They would play with Conrad frequently. 'That smile always lit up a room. He did what he wanted, and the world was his oyster,' he said. The St. Francois County Sheriff's Dept. Put out a statement on Friday saying it is 'unwavering in their pursuit of truth and justice and is dedicated to ensuring a comprehensive and transparent investigation.' An autopsy was conducted earlier this week, but no cause of death has been determined. FOX 2 called the St. Francois County coroner on Friday but has not heard back. In a new twist to the investigation, it was revealed that the daycare's owner used to work for the St. Francois County Prosecutor's Office. As a result, it has recused itself from the case. Jefferson County prosecuting attorney Trisha Stefanski has accepted an appointment as an independent special prosecuting attorney. The daycare's owner was also a sitting Park Hills city councilwoman, but she has since resigned. FOX 2 spoke with someone at Poppy's Playhouse on Friday. They said the owner will not comment until after the investigation is complete. The owner was interviewed as part of the Office of Childhood investigation (OOC). The OOC wrote in its letter that she said the facility's practice is for staff to cuddle children who are having a hard time falling asleep, but she does not know if staff put their legs over children regularly. She also said that Conrad had diarrhea that morning and had laid his head down at lunch, which was not like him. Ultimately, the OOC said Poppy's Playhouse 2 had five violations and that its actions 'demonstrate a threat of imminent bodily harm to the children in care.' The case has drawn attention nationwide. Love's T-shirt fundraiser is spreading with an emphasis on Autism Awareness. 'I've gotten them from New York. I've gotten them from Florida,' she said about orders coming in. Donate here: Help support St. Louis storm victims Across town, people lined up for hours to buy a special donut as part of another fundraiser. Hurt's Donuts was already planning a fundraiser for the local senior center. It added a special tribute donut specifically to raise money for Conrad's family. Seth Martin, a stranger to the family, came from 30 miles away for the funeral Friday. 'I believe that's what draws us together, the innocence of a child being taken away at such a young age,' he said. Conrad's life was cut too short, but his impact will last a lifetime. 'It means the absolute world to our family, and we couldn't be more thankful,' Love said. There is a silent auction taking place for Conrad's family this weekend. It will be at The Bullpen Sports Grill. Love will also be there taking T-shirt orders. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
