Teen, 13, beats cancer but dies weeks later in house blaze started by fireworks

A teenage schoolgirl who had just defeated cancer died when old fireworks sparked a fire at her home in the early hours of the morning.

Jerilynn Brown, 13, had celebrated winning her battle with bone cancer weeks before the property was set alight. The girl, from Missouri, US, couldn't be saved despite the quick response of the Independence Fire Department, who were alerted to the blaze at 5am. A second person, named locally as 52-year-old Marc Anthony Young Snr, was confirmed dead on Sunday.

It is reported that the smoke alarm wasn't working at the time. Two others suffered injuries in the incident, and both remain in hospital. An investigation showed the fire started on the decking outside the property, with the 'embers' of the fireworks said to have started the blaze. Her family have spoken of their devastation following the fire on July 4 that claimed the life off the fearless youngster.

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"She just rang the bell, and a month later, here we are, and I'm talking about my baby girl," her father Jerry Brown told Amercian station KMBC. "She just got me to church. I quit drinking, 17 months. All that is because of her." Jerilynn had just been discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, he confirmed.

IFD Chief Jimmy Walker told Fox 4: "To see a young girl who just beat cancer to have it end like this. I'm speaking on all of our folks, our heart goes out and we are all very upset about this as well. Hours can elapse while a fire smoulders, this can happen at any time, lightning strikes, we always have to worry about smouldering fires and the fact that they can go undiscovered for a number of hours and eventually become out of hand very quickly."

A GoFundMepage has been created to help Jerilynn's family rebuild their home, and cover the costs of her funeral. The page detailed her parent's pain and read: "In the early morning of July 4th, tragedy struck the lives of Jerry Brown and Liz Stephens in the most unimaginable way.

"A devastating house fire destroyed their home, taking with it everything they owned—and most heartbreakingly, their 13-year-old daughter, Jerrilynn Brown. Jerrilynn was 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.

"In addition to the loss of their beloved daughter and home, Liz is currently in the hospital, fighting for her life due to injuries sustained in the fire. As Jerry stays by her side, they are navigating unbearable grief and overwhelming uncertainty.

"We are raising funds to help cover the cost of Jerrilynn’s funeral, provide essential support for Liz’s ongoing medical care, and assist Jerry and Liz in beginning to rebuild their lives—replacing clothing, personal items, and basic needs that were all lost in the fire.

"No amount can heal this pain, but your support—whether through a donation, a share, or a prayer—can help bring a glimmer of hope to this devastated family. Please consider helping in any way you can. Every dollar and every kind word means the world right now. Thank you for your love and support."