Caroline Hecker

St. Louis

@KMOV Reporter. Storyteller. Formerly @wis10 and @WXOW. @Mizzou grad. Retweets/likes 🚫 endorsements. Opinions are my own. [email protected]

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Articles

A Deadly Choice: Families shattered, dreams crushed all at the hands of impaired drivers

1 week ago | fox5vegas.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — Every 79 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk-driving crash. For the families of victims, they’re not statistics. They’re parents, children, siblings, friends and more. Reporter Caroline Hecker spoke to some of those mourning lost loved ones who say it’s something they wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy. Copyright 2025 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Man shot in the head on first date hopes to motivate others after defying the odds

1 week ago | kktv.com | Caroline Hecker

ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - A Missouri man who survived being shot in the head on a first date has released a memoir about the fateful evening and his road to recovery. Chris Smith, now 52, was shot in the head in November 2021 while on a first date with 45-year-old Leslie Reeves, a woman he’d met online. The two had just returned to Smith’s home when they were both shot, leaving Reeves dead and Smith in a coma.
4th-grader brings life, excitement to his school as he returns after life-saving transplant

1 week ago | kktv.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — Before the age of nine, Orlando Bairfield went through his share of surgery, sickness and setbacks. He was just a day old when he was diagnosed with a genetic disease called Alagille syndrome, a condition that leads to liver failure. Orlando was placed on a transplant list as a baby, and after an agonizing wait, he received what he calls his happy liver in January 2024. Following his surgery, Orlando couldn’t wait to be like other kids.
Wildlife Rescue damaged as EF3 tornado rages north of Potosi

3 weeks ago | kfvs12.com | Caroline Hecker

POTOSI, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The cleanup process continues in Washington County just outside of Potosi after the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado ripped through a rural area about five miles northwest of town. In its path was Fancy Lad Farms and Wildlife Sanctuary, owned by Todd Heilman.
Wildlife Rescue damaged as EF3 tornado rages north of Potosi

3 weeks ago | firstalert4.com | Caroline Hecker

POTOSI, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The cleanup process continues in Washington County just outside of Potosi after the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado ripped through a rural area about five miles northwest of town. In its path was Fancy Lad Farms and Wildlife Sanctuary, owned by Todd Heilman.
‘Louis at his finest’: Boy Scout helps save father, brother after terrifying fall off cliff

1 month ago | fox5vegas.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — Hiking can be a great family activity and an inexpensive way to get outdoors. However, this St. Louis family’s walk through the woods almost turned deadly after two people fell off a cliff. Louis Miklovic is 12 years old and has autism. He is also a Boy Scout and has earned more than a dozen merit badges and medals during his time in Scouts.
New treatment for melanoma showing promise for patients

2 months ago | fox5vegas.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — While melanoma is not as common as other skin cancers, it’s often referred to as the most serious form. It develops when the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color start to grow out of control. Doctors say it’s more likely to spread to other parts of the body, if not found and treated early. However, there’s new hope for patients whose previous treatment options might not have worked.
‘Reading with Rappers’: School program highlights the importance of reading one beat at a time

2 months ago | fox5vegas.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — Educators say child learning loss is an epidemic that stems from the pandemic. In 2022, two out of three fourth graders failed to read at or above proficient in standardized tests. Experts say the impacts of low literacy can follow children into adulthood as kids with low literacy rates are more likely to drop out of high school. This can affect their ability to get a job. That’s why a St. Louis area man is using his job to inspire kids to pick up a book.
Seeking Answers & Settling In: Military families seek accountability for sacrifices that saved many

2 months ago | fox5vegas.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — Years later after the death of his son, a father claims there’s been no accountability. In August 2021, the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, signaling the end of the longest war in U.S. history. That day turned chaotic and deadly as a suicide bomber killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghan people outside the Kabul airport. Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz from Missouri was among the soldiers killed that day. His actions helped get thousands of people to safety.
Seeking Answers & Settling In: Military families seek accountability for sacrifices that saved many

2 months ago | actionnews5.com | Caroline Hecker

(InvestigateTV) — Years later after the death of his son, a father claims there’s been no accountability. In August 2021, the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, signaling the end of the longest war in U.S. history. That day turned chaotic and deadly as a suicide bomber killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghan people outside the Kabul airport. Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz from Missouri was among the soldiers killed that day. His actions helped get thousands of people to safety.

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Caroline Hecker @carolinehecker

3 Apr 25

A neighbor shared this video with me of a tornado tearing through an area just north of Petosi. Damage is extensive. More tonight on @KMOV at 10. https://t.co/YiB1b1vKfA

Caroline Hecker @carolinehecker

3 Apr 25

We’re getting our first aerial look at some of the damage outside of Petosi along Highway 185—complete devastation. @KMOV https://t.co/qJYSpintOk

Caroline Hecker @carolinehecker

3 Apr 25

Significant damage off Hwy 189 outside of Petosi following today’s storms. @KMOV https://t.co/cp053y9ghX

Caroline Hecker

Articles

A Deadly Choice: Families shattered, dreams crushed all at the hands of impaired drivers

Man shot in the head on first date hopes to motivate others after defying the odds

4th-grader brings life, excitement to his school as he returns after life-saving transplant

Wildlife Rescue damaged as EF3 tornado rages north of Potosi

Wildlife Rescue damaged as EF3 tornado rages north of Potosi

‘Louis at his finest’: Boy Scout helps save father, brother after terrifying fall off cliff

New treatment for melanoma showing promise for patients

‘Reading with Rappers’: School program highlights the importance of reading one beat at a time

Seeking Answers & Settling In: Military families seek accountability for sacrifices that saved many

Seeking Answers & Settling In: Military families seek accountability for sacrifices that saved many

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