safety
Mother facing charges after 18-month-old son dies after eating popcorn kernel, reports say
By Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
(Gray News) - An 18-month-old baby in New York died after choking on a popcorn kernel while his mother was drinking in another room, according to multiple reports.The toddler, Luke Russell Jr., was found dead after his 3-year-old sister eventually alerted their mother, Olivia Bithorn, that someth...
Key takeaway , was found dead after his 3-year-old sister eventually alerted their mother, Olivia Bithorn, that something was wrong, CBS News reported.
Why this matters in The Midland
The tragic death of 18-month-old Luke Russell Jr. in New York serves as a stark warning to Midland parents about the dangers of unattended children and the devastating consequences of neglect. While this incident occurred outside of our community, it highlights the need for local parents to be vigilant and responsible in ensuring their children's safety. In Midland, where many families have young children, it is crucial for parents to be aware of potential choking hazards, such as popcorn kernels, and to never leave their children unattended, especially in situations where alcohol or other substances may be involved. The Midland community should take note of this incident and recognize the importance of prioritizing child safety and seeking help when struggling with addiction or other personal issues that may impact their ability to care for their children.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) - An 18-month-old baby in New York died after choking on a popcorn kernel while his mother was drinking in another room, according to multiple reports.The toddler, Luke Russell Jr., was found dead after his 3-year-old sister eventually alerted their mother, Olivia Bithorn, that someth...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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