13-year-old dies in July 4th fire just two weeks after beating cancer
Jerilynn Brown, 13, was enjoying her greatest life triumph just two weeks ago: she had defeated cancer.
However, she lost that hard-won happiness on July 4th when a devastating house fire started by leftover fireworks ended her life.
fought against bone cancer
Around 5:30 a.m., smoldering fireworks debris ignited the back of the family’s farmhouse in rural Independence, Missouri, causing the fire to start.
Flames were shooting out of the back of the house as the responders got there. To put out the fire, firefighters made a concerted effort.
Three persons were inside the house when the fire was put out.
The fire claimed the lives of Jerilynn and another adult, whose identity has not yet been made public.
Jerry Brown, Jerilynn’s father, told KMBC, “She just rang the bell,” alluding to the poignant hospital custom that signifies the conclusion of cancer treatment.
For two years, Jerilynn had fought against osteosarcoma, an uncommon and severe kind of bone cancer. Her family was starting to look forward after her last release from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in late June — until this tragic turn of events.
burned for hours.
The fireworks were set off on the evening of July 3rd, according to fire officials. The embers that had been burning silently for hours became lethal by daylight when winds increased during the night.
Independence Fire Chief Jimmy Walker told KSHB, “It was a breezy night.”
“A fire can smolder for hours at a time. We are constantly concerned about smoldering flames and the possibility that they may lie unnoticed for several hours before rapidly getting out of control.
Walker’s confirmation that there were no functional smoke detectors in the house added to the tragedy and served as a sobering reminder of how important those devices can be.
Liz Stephens, Jerilynn’s mother, is still in critical condition at the hospital.
Stephen Miller, Jerilynn’s stepfather, stated, “She’s fighting for her life.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with burial and medical costs in the wake of the tragedy.
“She just convinced me to attend church.”
Jerilynn was “a bright, brave, and beautiful soul who had just overcome a long battle with cancer only two weeks prior,” according to the campaign.
Everyone who knew her was impacted by her spirit and strength. After everything she had been through, it is terrible to have her taken away so quickly,” the family wrote.
Jerry, Jerilynn’s father, claimed that his daughter’s religion was unwavering and that it had a significant influence on everyone in her vicinity.
I only went to church because of her. I stopped drinking 17 months ago. “It’s all her fault,” he said.
Stephen Miller, her stepfather, agreed, describing the resilience Jerilynn possessed during her early years.
“She’s not with us today, unfortunately,” Miller remarked. “She is at liberty.”
Our warmest sympathies, love, and support are being sent to Jerilynn’s family.
This unfathomable catastrophe occurred right after she had triumphed over cancer.
This summer, remember that fireworks have the power to transform lives and linger long after the display is finished.
Additionally, please take a time to make sure your smoke detectors are in the right location, have batteries, and are operational. They have the power to save lives.