CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Family members say two people, including a child perished in a fire in Chillicothe on Tuesday.
According to initial reports, police, along with firefighters, responded to a garage fire during the early morning hours on Tuesday behind 85 Ewing Street in Chillicothe.
“I can confirm is that we are investigating the deaths of two individuals found at the scene of a structure fire on Ewing Street in Chillicothe,” said county coroner chief investigator Mike Ratliff.
Among the two dead is a child.
“Shane Lane, Jr. was a 10-year-old with a bright future ahead of him,” said family member Emma Isbell. “Tragically, little Shane and his Aunt Heidi Proehl died …. due to arson. Their death is a devastating loss for our family and their friends.
Little Shane’s parents are facing an unbearably tough time ahead. No parent should outlive their child.”
Proehl and young Shane were asleep in a loft apartment above the garage when the fire broke out, family members said.
The Guardian could not independently verify the cause of the fire.
Investigators from the state Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene to investigate, along with the county coroner and police detectives, according to police chief Ron Meyers.
The police department said they will release more information at a later date.
The family has launched a fundraiser for funeral expenses.
Such a terrible tragedy. Whoever did that should be punished SEVERELY.
Prayers for the family. I am so sorry to see this.
Drug addicts and homeless have taken over the entire neighborhood. They roam the streets all night long. Something needs to be done so the community can get their lives back and not live in fear. Prayers to the family. So sad.