08-07-2025
Second person dies in Independence farmhouse fire that killed 13-year-old girl
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Public Safety confirmed a second victim has died in connection with a fire that killed a 13-year-old girl at an Independence farmhouse on the Fourth of July.
On Friday, July 4, at about 5 a.m., crews with the Independence Fire Department (IFD) were called to the area of North Lake City Valley Road and East Bundschu Road, near Buckner, on reports of a house fire.
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When crews arrived, they reported seeing heavy fire coming from the farmhouse, forcing crews to begin 'aggressive attack' operations.
Jerrilyn Brown, a 13-year-old girl who had just beaten bone cancer weeks before, was killed, and two others were hospitalized. However, on Monday afternoon, the Division of Fire Safety (DFS) confirmed that one of the two injured victims had died from their injuries.
The second victim's name has not been released, but according to family, he died on Sunday. The other victim, a woman, is still in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
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According to DFS and IFD, investigations show that the fire started on the home's covered back deck and that embers of 'consumer-grade,' spent fireworks had been used the night before.
Investigators said the fireworks are the probable cause of the deadly fire. They also confirmed that the smoke alarm inside the home was not working.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned with FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.
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