High school senior, days away from graduation, killed in crash involving suspected DUI driver

Authorities say Lily Hahn, 18, died in a crash on Highway 87 in North Carolina. (GoFundMe)

Alamance County, N.C.

A young North Carolina girl died in a car crash just days before graduating from high school.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened on Monday at about 12:30 a.m. on Highway 87 in Alamance County.

Authorities said a car driven by 38-year-old Tracey Hernandez crossed the center line and hit a vehicle being driven by 18-year-old Lily Hahn head-on.

Hahn was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four children were also in Hernandez’s car. No one was restrained, but authorities said no one suffered any life-threatening injuries in that vehicle.

Loved ones said Hahn was just four days away from graduating from Southeast Alamance High School at the time of her death.

She had planned on attending Alamance Community College and Appalachian State University after graduation, family said.

Loved ones say they are heartbroken over the loss of the 18-year-old.

“A beautiful life was lost. Lily’s smile could light up a room and her laugh was contagious,” Natalie Cecil shared in a GoFundMe made in Hahn’s memory. “She had the most beautiful soul and brought so much joy to everyone around her. Her loss is heartbreaking to all.”

Troopers said Hernandez was suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the crash. She is expected to be arrested once released from the hospital.

GoFundMe surpasses $1M for Whitney Decker, mother of 3 girls allegedly killed by their father

The Wenatchee Police Department said 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were found dead. (Wenatchee Police Department)

Wenatchee, Wash.

Thousands of people have come together to help support a Washington mother whose three little girls were allegedly killed by their father.

Amy Edwards, a close friend of the mother, Whitney Decker, says she set up a GoFundMe to support her fellow dance mom following the tragic loss of her daughters.

“I’ve known Whitney for years, we’re both dance moms and theater friends. We’ve spent this year as dance moms together, with my daughter Maisy and Whitney’s daughter Evelyn both performing on the Fabulous Feet Dance Rockstars team,” Edwards shared.

Decker’s daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead on Monday, with their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, being named as the suspect in their murders.

Authorities said the situation started last Friday, when Whitney Decker reported that Travis Decker did not return with the girls after a planned visit.

Over the weekend, police looked for the children and their father, who was believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup with Washington plates.

Police said Travis Decker’s truck was later found on Monday near the Rock Island Campground, about 20 miles away from Wenatchee.

The Wenatchee Police Department confirmed the bodies of the children were also found near the campground.

“On May 30th, the girls were reported missing after a scheduled visitation with their father. We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed,” Edwards wrote in the fundraiser.

Court documents obtained by KCPQ and KIRO say that the girls likely died from asphyxiation.

Loved ones have thanked the community and those who have reached out to the Decker family in their time of need, helping raise more than $1 million.

“Their loss is unimaginable, but the compassion we’ve received from this community and beyond has brought light into this darkness,” Edwards shared in an update on Friday. “Thank all of you for the incredible outpouring of love and for continuing to hold Whitney close in your hearts.”

Multiple agencies said they are continuing their search for Travis Decker. Anyone who has seen him or knows his current location has been asked to call 911.

He is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair in a ponytail and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities are also urging anyone who sees Travis Decker to not approach him for safety reasons. Police said he may be armed and is a veteran with extensive training.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Cause of death revealed for ‘Cheers’ star George Wendt

FILE - This Oct. 20, 2009 file photo shows actor George Wendt posing for a portrait in New York. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)

George Wendt’s cause of death has been revealed after the actor suddenly died last month.

According to multiple reports, the actor and comedian known for playing Norm on the beloved sitcom “Cheers” died from cardiac arrest.

Outlets have cited the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listing Wendt’s immediate cause of death as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension as underlying causes.

His family said Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on May 20 at the age of 76, according to a statement from his publicist.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him, ” the statement said. “He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Wendt began as a comedian at Chicago’s The Second City, according to Variety. He spent six years with the renowned improv troupe before moving to television.

His most known role was that of the lovable barfly, Norm, on “Cheers.” His portrayal of the beer-loving accountant earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, he was in every episode of the show during its 11-year run from 1982 to 1993. His regular greeting of “Afternoon, everybody” became a staple beloved by fans.

‘Their baby had been dropped’: Newborn falls out of crib and dies in hospital NICU

Loved ones say Ellieana Peyton, born on March 4, died just a few weeks later at the hospital. (GoFundMe)

Columbus, Ohio

An Ohio family says they have lost their baby girl just a few weeks after she was born.

Baby Ellieana Peyton was born on March 4 with cardiomyopathy, a cardiovascular disease where the left side of her heart was a little smaller than normal, according to her family.

Loved ones said she was in the NICU for a few weeks for observation and they were going to be released from Nationwide Children’s Hospital until tragedy struck.

“The parents went home to shower and received a call stating their baby had been dropped,” Stella Dunlap shared in the family’s GoFundMe. “They were told their nurse had kept the baby’s monitor cords in her pocket and when she went to walk away, the baby was then dragged from her NICU crib.“

Ellieana suffered a fractured skull along with brain bleeds until she ultimately succumbed to her injuries on March 31, the family shared.

“She made this world a better place for 29 days. Rest in peace, Ellieana,” Dunlap wrote.

According to the Franklin County coroner’s report, Ellieana died at the hospital due to a congenital heart defect complicated by blunt force head injuries.

The report stated that the injuries were caused by a fall from a crib, with Ellieana’s death ruled accidental.

“Ellieana had the most contagious smile that would light up the room. She had the most beautiful brown eyes that you could stare into for hours,” loved ones shared in her obituary. “Her favorite place to be was in the loving arms of her mommy, daddy, and family.”

The family has thanked everyone for the support they have received during this difficult time.

$20K reward offered for information leading to arrest of father wanted for daughters’ murder

Authorities say Travis Decker is homeless and may be living in his vehicle or at various hotels and motels in the area. (Wenatchee Police Department)

Chelan County, Wash.

Multiple agencies say they are joining forces to find a Washington man wanted for murder after his three young daughters were found dead on Monday.

The U.S. Marshals Service said it offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Travis Decker.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Wenatchee Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations are just a few of the agencies working to locate Decker.

Authorities said the situation started last Friday, when the mother of the girls reported Decker did not return them after a planned visit.

Over the weekend, police looked for the children and Decker, who was believed to be living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup with Washington plates.

Police said Decker’s truck was later found on Monday near the Rock Island Campground, about 20 miles away from Wenatchee.

The Wenatchee Police Department said the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker, and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were also found near the campground.

Court documents obtained by KCPQ and KIRO say that the girls likely died from asphyxiation.

KCPQ reports that the truck had two bloody handprints on it and had personal items such as blankets, food, car seats and a wallet on the center console. The camp showed signs of recent activity, with a tent and cooler located a short distance away.

Travis Decker’s cell phone activity showed he drove to and left the same campground a day before the kidnapping, court documents said.

KIRO reports that officers also found zip ties and plastic bags tossed throughout the area.

Anyone who may have seen Travis Decker or knows his current location has been asked to call 911.

He is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair in a ponytail and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts.

Authorities are also urging anyone who sees Travis Decker to not approach him for safety reasons. Police said he may be armed and is a veteran with extensive training.