Latest news with #IndependenceFireDepartment
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Teen, 13, beats cancer but dies weeks later in house blaze started by fireworks
Jerilynn Brown and Marc Anthony Young perished following the fire which was is said to have started when the dying embers of fireworks caused the family home to go up in flames A teenage schoolgirl who had just defeated cancer died when old fireworks sparked a fire at her home in the early hours of the morning. Jerilynn Brown, 13, had celebrated winning her battle with bone cancer weeks before the property was set alight. The girl, from Missouri, US, couldn't be saved despite the quick response of the Independence Fire Department, who were alerted to the blaze at 5am. A second person, named locally as 52-year-old Marc Anthony Young Snr, was confirmed dead on Sunday. It is reported that the smoke alarm wasn't working at the time. Two others suffered injuries in the incident, and both remain in hospital. An investigation showed the fire started on the decking outside the property, with the 'embers' of the fireworks said to have started the blaze. Her family have spoken of their devastation following the fire on July 4 that claimed the life off the fearless youngster. "She just rang the bell, and a month later, here we are, and I'm talking about my baby girl," her father Jerry Brown told Amercian station KMBC. "She just got me to church. I quit drinking, 17 months. All that is because of her." Jerilynn had just been discharged from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, he confirmed. IFD Chief Jimmy Walker told Fox 4: "To see a young girl who just beat cancer to have it end like this. I'm speaking on all of our folks, our heart goes out and we are all very upset about this as well. Hours can elapse while a fire smoulders, this can happen at any time, lightning strikes, we always have to worry about smouldering fires and the fact that they can go undiscovered for a number of hours and eventually become out of hand very quickly." A GoFundMe page has been created to help Jerilynn's family rebuild their home, and cover the costs of her funeral. The page detailed her parent's pain and read: "In the early morning of July 4th, tragedy struck the lives of Jerry Brown and Liz Stephens in the most unimaginable way. "A devastating house fire destroyed their home, taking with it everything they owned—and most heartbreakingly, their 13-year-old daughter, Jerrilynn Brown. Jerrilynn was a bright, brave, and beautiful soul who had just overcome a long battle with cancer only two weeks prior. Her strength and spirit touched everyone who knew her. To have her taken so suddenly after all she had endured is beyond heartbreaking. "In addition to the loss of their beloved daughter and home, Liz is currently in the hospital, fighting for her life due to injuries sustained in the fire. As Jerry stays by her side, they are navigating unbearable grief and overwhelming uncertainty. "We are raising funds to help cover the cost of Jerrilynn's funeral, provide essential support for Liz's ongoing medical care, and assist Jerry and Liz in beginning to rebuild their lives—replacing clothing, personal items, and basic needs that were all lost in the fire. "No amount can heal this pain, but your support—whether through a donation, a share, or a prayer—can help bring a glimmer of hope to this devastated family. Please consider helping in any way you can. Every dollar and every kind word means the world right now. Thank you for your love and support."
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
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. Explosion in crowd at Oak Grove fireworks show; City looking for victims 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. A 'Cain and Abel' crime: Kansas City man charged in connection with brother's murder 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
1 person critically injured after house fire in Independence early Monday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One person has life-threatening injuries after a house fire in Independence early Monday morning. The Independence Fire Department said in a Facebook post that firefighters were called to the home on North Cottage Avenue near Brewster Lane around 12:30 a.m. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Firefighters arriving at the scene saw smoke coming from the back of the house. Firefighters searched the home and found one female resident. She was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The fire department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community holds vigil for family killed in Independence apartment fire
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A family of four was killed in an apartment after a neighbor's stove top was left unattended. According to the Independence Fire Department, crews responded to a fire at Independence Ridge apartments around 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. For over four hours, fire crews battled the flames, along with the weather conditions. 'I know up there my sister was telling them that they were going to be okay and they're just waiting for the firefighters to come get them, that's what I keep telling myself,' Mikayla Zielinski said. Their names were Katelyn, DeVante, 8-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Aaliyah. Witness describes close call in deadly wrong-way crash on I-70 'Remember her as the lively spirit she was always willing to help others,' Katelyn's sister Makayla Zielinski said. 'He protected his family in the end like he was raised,' DeVante's older sister Lolita McShann said. 'Sitting in the car with her dancing along to 'Wheels on the Bus' by CoComelon with her definitely those are my favorite things to remember,' Zielinski said of 3-year-old Aaliyah. Tuesday night, a candlelight vigil was held outside the building that was standing tall exactly one week ago. In the crowd, lights from candles lit up dozens of faces. Some little ones. 'Bella's teachers are here, which are great support for her, kids in her classes are here,' Zielinski said. A community coming together to uplift each other during a tragic time. 'I always say that adults need villages too and this felt like a village and that's what matters most,' McShann said. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri The families say they are grateful the community ha snot only supported them but the other dozens of people who lost everything in this fire. There is a pay for funeral expenses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
