3-year-old boy dies after falling from 8th story of Independence apartment unit

A 3-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital Monday morning after he fell from the eighth story of the Independence Towers apartment building.

In an afternoon update, Kelley Rupert, spokesperson for the Independence Police Department, said the boy died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the incident.

"This has become a death investigation from our standpoint, so everything about this is under investigation," Rupert said in a press conference.

Independence PD PIO provides update after 3-year-old dies from fall

There were others inside the apartment unit, but Rupert wasn't immediately able to say how many or provide any other information related to the matter.

First responders were called just after 10 a.m. to 728 N. Jennings Road on reports a child had fallen from the apartment building.

Firefighters located the boy face down on the grass near the apartments. As he was suffering from multiple serious injuries, crews began life-saving procedures.

Independence Fire Department Battalion Chief Eric Michel said the boy was unconscious but initially breathing.

Independence Fire Department battalion chief speaks on response to Independence Towers

Crews who rode with the boy to the hospital said after receiving oxygen for several minutes, the boy was moving around and trying to take the oxygen mask off his face.

While the boy was first transported to Centerpoint Medical Center, he was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital, per Michel.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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