INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 13-year-old Jerilynn Brown, who died in a devastating house fire early Friday morning — just two weeks after beating a rare form of bone cancer.
Her father, Jerry Brown, confirmed that Jerilynn had recently completed treatment for osteosarcoma and had been discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital in late June. She was known for her radiant spirit and creativity, even in the face of her illness.
“She was a bright soul,” Brown said. “She made every nurse a present. Every nurse and doctor signed a heart she made. She made it with her love while she was fighting cancer because she is a great person.”
Stephen Miller, who has a child with Jerilynn’s mother, remembered her as a joyful and determined girl.
“Jerilynn was very outgoing, loved life,” he said. “She fought that cancer until she beat it.”
Fire Investigation Underway
The Independence Fire Department and Missouri State Fire Marshal are investigating what caused the blaze near North Lake City Valley Drive and Bundschu Road. Flames and thick black smoke could be seen rising high into the early morning sky, according to nearby residents.
“The flames kept getting higher and the smoke just kept getting blacker and blacker,” said neighbor Shannon Anderson, who was visiting family for the holiday.
Jerilynn’s mother, a man, and a firefighter were also injured in the fire. Their conditions have not been publicly released.
“It just crushes my heart that this family is probably never going to have another Independence Day that they’ll enjoy,” said Battalion Chief Eric Michel.
💔 A Father’s Grief
Jerilynn’s father is now left grieving a daughter who had shown incredible courage and love throughout her cancer battle.
“Everybody who met her knows how good and awesome she is,” Brown said. “What I’ll miss the most are her hugs.”
The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the holiday weekend in Independence, as the community rallies around the family during an unthinkable loss.
Leave a Reply