Bright and Brave’ 13-Year-Old Girl Dies in House Fire Just Weeks After Beating Cancer — Family Calls It ‘Beyond Heartbreaking
‘Bright and Brave’ 13-Year-Old Girl Dies in House Fire Just Weeks After Beating Cancer
A 13-year-old girl has tragically died in a house fire in Missouri just weeks after successfully beating osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, her father has confirmed.
In the early hours of July 4th, the Independence Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence located at 1101 North Lake City Valley Road in Buckner, Jackson County.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety (DFS) confirmed in a news release on July 7 that the fire claimed two lives, including that of the 13-year-old girl. The release also stated that a second person later succumbed to injuries sustained in the blaze, and at least one other individual remains hospitalized.
The victim was identified as Jerilynn Brown. According to her father, Jerry Brown, Jerilynn had recently been discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in late June after beating osteosarcoma. The family and community have described her as “bright and brave,” making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking.
‘Bright and Brave’ 13-Year-Old Girl Dies in House Fire Just Weeks After Beating Cancer
A 13-year-old girl who had recently beaten osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, tragically died in a house fire in Missouri, her father has said.
Jerilynn Brown was killed in the early hours of July 4th at a residence on 1101 North Lake City Valley Road in Buckner, Jackson County. The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety confirmed the blaze claimed two lives, including Jerilynn’s. Another person later died from injuries sustained in the fire, and at least one other remained hospitalized.
Jerilynn’s father, Jerry Brown, shared tender memories of his daughter, saying, “I want her to be remembered for who she was: she was a bright soul.”
He recalled how Jerilynn showed her gratitude while battling cancer by making gifts for the hospital staff: “She made them presents. Every nurse a present,” he told KSHB 41.
“Every nurse and doctor signed this heart she made. She made it with her love while she was fighting cancer because she is a great person,” Brown added.
The father also confirmed that Jerilynn’s mother and a firefighter were injured in the fire.
Reflecting on his loss, Brown said, “I’ll miss her hugs the most. Everybody who met her knows how good and awesome she is.”
Jerilynn had been discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in late June after her cancer treatment.
‘Bright and Brave’ 13-Year-Old Girl Dies in House Fire Just Weeks After Beating Cancer
A 13-year-old girl who had recently beaten osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, tragically died in a house fire in Missouri, her father has said.
Jerilynn Brown was killed in the early hours of July 4th at a residence on 1101 North Lake City Valley Road in Buckner, Jackson County. The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety confirmed the blaze claimed two lives, including Jerilynn’s. Another person later died from injuries sustained in the fire, and at least one other remained hospitalized.
A GoFundMe page set up to support the family described Jerilynn as “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,” the message said.
Independence Fire Chief Jimmy Walker expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. “To see a young girl who just beat cancer to have it end like this,” he told Fox 4 Kansas City. “I’m speaking on all of our folks — our heart goes out and we are all very upset about this as well.”
The second victim, whose name has not been released, died on Sunday, July 6, according to family members, Fox 4 Kansas City reported. A woman remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Jerilynn’s father, Jerry Brown, recalled his daughter’s kindness during her cancer fight, sharing how she made gifts for hospital staff to thank them. “Every nurse and doctor signed this heart she made. She made it with her love while she was fighting cancer because she is a great person,” he said.
Brown also confirmed that Jerilynn’s mother and a firefighter were injured in the fire. Reflecting on his loss, Brown said, “I’ll miss her hugs the most. Everybody who met her knows how good and awesome she is.”
Jerilynn had been discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in late June following her treatment.
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