Nationwide — Travis Jr., a 3-year-old African American boy from St. Louis, Missouri, sadly died after falling from a high-rise apartment window early Friday while in his father’s care. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing how the child accessed the window.
The child, known as “T3,” had been staying with his father at a housing complex managed by the St. Louis Housing Authority. Family members said the father had put Travis Jr. to bed before stepping outside around 2:30 a.m. for a cigarette break.
When the father returned, he found the apartment door open and Travis Jr. missing. He searched the hallway, knocked on nearby doors, and alerted others in the building as concern quickly grew.
Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a missing child call. They later found the boy’s body outside the building and believe he fell from an upper floor, possibly around the 11th level. The exact point of the fall has not been confirmed.
According to 11Alive, the case has been turned over to the department’s Child Abuse Unit. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and inspecting windows in the building to determine how the incident happened.
Family members said Travis Jr.’s mother is currently in a rehabilitation facility after a previous shooting that left her without both legs. Relatives said she is devastated by the loss.
Loved ones described Travis Jr. as energetic, bright, and full of personality. A relative said the child stood out for his intelligence and lively nature. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover funeral expenses. It has so far raised over $8,000.