FORMER CAPE YOUTH DIES AFTER SUFFOCATING IN SNOW

HARVESTER, Mo. - A former Cape Girardeau boy died Thursday afternoon when he slipped or fell into a five-foot snow drift outside his front door at the Summergate Parkway condominiums in Harvester, an unincorporated community located south of St. Charles.

Authorities said Michael G. Shuffler, 9, of Harvester apparently suffocated in the snow drift while attempting to build a snow igloo.

The boy was rushed to a St. Peters hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Neighbors said Michael had been playing in the snow with other children. The other boys got cold and went inside. It's believed Michael was alone for about 15 minutes.

Neighbors at the scene and paramedics from the St. Charles County Ambulance Service tried unsuccessfully to revive the boy on the way to hospital.

Michael lived with his mother and stepfather, Elinda and Kerry Eakins, and his infant brother, Trenton. The family had moved to Harvester in March from Cape Girardeau.

Before moving to Harvester, Michael attended Clippard School, here, was a Cub Scout, and played summer league baseball. He was in the third grade.

Funeral services are scheduled this afternoon at 2 p.m., at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park.