The cause of the fatal fire in Jeannette is under investigation and may take weeks, according to state police Fire Marshal Chet Bell.
A late-night fire destroyed a two-story Guy Street home in Jeannette, claiming the lives of four children and their father, and causing significant damage to a neighbor’s house.
Bell stated, 'It’s a thorough and in-depth investigation, and it will require some time.'
Tyler J. King, 27, and his four children, Kyson (7), Kinzleigh (6), Keagan (3), and Korbyn (1 month), died in the fire. died in the fireTyler's fiancee, Miranda John, and two of the children were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, while the family members mentioned that they are receiving treatment.
Several agencies are involved in evaluating the fire, according to Bell.
Bell mentioned, 'There is still a significant amount of investigation to conduct, including interviews and multiple visits to the scene.'
Authorities from the police, fire, and emergency management departments in Jeannette expressed their emotions in a letter released on Friday. In a letter released on Friday, the leadership of the police, fire, and emergency management departments in Jeannette expressed their gratitude for the community's kindness, generosity, and resilience. The letter appealed for the public's patience and understanding as the first responders grieve and recuperate from the incident, and also acknowledged that they may be more willing to speak with the media at a later time.
The letter requested the public's cooperation in allowing them the necessary space and time to mourn and support each other, expressing confidence in the community's ability to emerge stronger and more resilient.
The letter emphasized the need for collective support and understanding during the recovery process.
Recovering from disaster
Three GoFundMe fundraisers are currently raising funds for the affected families, with one having collected nearly $79,000 of a $100,000 target by Friday evening. Nearly $79,000 has been raised for Miranda John and her children, out of a $100,000 goal, through one fundraiser on GoFundMe. Miranda John and her children's fundraiser on GoFundMe has raised almost $79,000 of its $100,000 goal.
Another fundraiser, initiated by Tyler King’s twin brother, Kenny, has raised nearly $4,600 of a $50,000 goal. Tyler King’s twin brother, Kenny, has raised almost $4,600 of the $50,000 target through a separate GoFundMe fundraiser.
Maddison Skundrich's fundraiser on GoFundMe, intended to support the neighboring family impacted by the fire, has garnered $13,900 of a $10,000 goal. Maddison Skundrich's GoFundMe fundraiser has exceeded its $10,000 goal, raising $13,900 for the neighboring family affected by the fire. The fundraiser started by Maddison Skundrich to aid David and Lauren Diffenderfer and their 10-month-old son John has raised $13,900 out of a $10,000 goal.
Despite their home being destroyed, the Diffenderfer family indicated that they will be okay and expressed gratitude for the support received while urging others to contribute to help Miranda John and her family.
The Diffenderfer family reassured that they received an abundance of support and kindness, emphasizing the importance of aiding Miranda John and her family.
The Diffenderfer family acknowledged the community's assistance and highlighted the significance of prioritizing support for Miranda John and her children while expressing their own resolve to overcome the loss of possessions.
The family is currently lodged in a hotel, with their pets being cared for by Petland in Norwin and a relative.
Lauren Diffenderfer expressed gratitude for the surrounding community's kindness, generosity, and helpfulness, noting the remarkable display of goodwill by people in the vicinity.
On the night of the fire, Lauren Diffenderfer noticed a bright light emanating from Miranda John’s home and saw flames, prompting her to call 911 while David Diffenderfer attempted to help Miranda and her children from the outside, with the assistance of others.
Lauren Diffenderfer said there was a lot of hurried activity in her neighborhood. Everyone pitched in to help and it was very emotional for them.
Lauren and David Diffenderfer thought Miranda John and Tyler King’s family were nice neighbors. grandfather, Richard John, gave Lauren the wavy steel she used to create her raised planting beds in the backyard.
Lauren said they were very supportive when they brought their first child home. It's hard for them to accept that they won't be around anymore.
