Fundraisers help family of 13-year-old girl killed in house fire near Buckner
The family of a 13-year-old girl killed in a fire in rural Missouri July 4 has created a Go Fund Me to help with recovery and funeral costs.
Jerilynn Brown was one of two people killed in the fire, which is believed to have been caused by fireworks, officials said Monday. The second person who died has not yet been publicly named.
According to the Go Fund Me page, Jerilynn’s mother Liz Stephens is in the hospital fighting for her life due to the injuries she sustained in the fire.
“Jerilynn was a bright, brave, and beautiful soul who had just overcome a long battle with cancer only two weeks prior,” family wrote on the fundraiser page. “Her strength and spirit touched everyone who knew her. To have her taken so suddenly after all she had endured is beyond heartbreaking.”
The family’s church, Susquehanna Assembly of God, also created a fund to help support the family. Through the church’s giving website, people can select the Fire Relief Fund and Jerilynn Memorial Foundation.
According to the church’s Facebook page, all funds will be used to help the family and bless others through the memorial foundation.
What caused the fire?
After an investigation with the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Independence Fire Department said at a news conference Monday that the cause of the fire was fireworks related.
After shooting fireworks near the home, firework debris ignited the area of the home’s exterior rear porch, Independence fire Chief Jimmy Walker said.
Walker said the fire smoked for “quite some time” before extending inside the porch and, eventually, the home.
Firefighters with the Fort Osage Fire Protection District were initially called to the house at North Lake City Valley and East Bundschu roads, near Buckner, around 5 a.m. on July 4. Independence firefighters were called to the scene to assist.
While searching the home, firefighters declared Jerilynn dead at the scene, according to Eric Michel, a spokesman for the Independence Fire Department. While her official cause of death has not been revealed, Walker said Jerilynn suffered burns and smoke inhalation.
The second victim, a man, died at an area hospital Sunday, according to a press release.
While searching the house, an Independence firefighter fell down the home’s stairs, Michel said. They were treated at an area hospital and released a few hours later.
How to support Jerilynn’s family
On the Go Fund Me page, Jerilynn’s family said they are facing unbearable grief and overwhelming uncertainty.
As of Wednesday, the page had raised a little over $8,500 of its $11,000 goal.
The family is raising funds to help cover the cost of Jerilynn’s funeral, provide essential support for Stephens’ ongoing medical care, and help the family rebuild their lives by 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,” the family wrote on the fundraiser page.
Susquehanna Assembly of God and the family planned a vigil to honor Jerilynn this past weekend. It was rescheduled for 7 p.m. July 13 at the family’s home, 1101 North Lake City Valley Road.
The Star’s Caroline Zimmerman contributed.
