A 16-year-old male died in a house fire in the early morning hours on Wednesday in Walton.
Fire and EMS units responded to “a one-alarm structure fire” just before 1:40 a.m. Wednesday at the 200 block of Maher Road, according to a press release from the Florence Fire Department.
Two juveniles were trapped in the basement of the home, according to communication from emergency dispatchers to first responders. An additional two engines and ambulances were dispatched to the scene, according to Florence Fire Department.
“Upon arrival crews found smoke coming from the residence and began searching inside,” the press release states. “Family members had evacuated the residence except for two juveniles which were found and removed from the downstairs of the residence. The two juveniles were transported by ambulance to healthcare facilities. One of the juveniles succumbed to their injuries.”
Boone County Coroner Missy Rittenger said she could only reveal the age and sex of the victim as a 16-year-old male.
Officials are investigating the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Florence Fire Chief Rodney Wren said the department will provide updates as they become available.
The 16-year-old attended Ignite Institute, a STEAM high school in Erlanger, according to Barbara Cain-Brady of Boone County Schools.
“Today and for as long as is needed counselors and therapists will be available for students at Ignite, Ryle High School and Gray Middle School where the students siblings and friends also attend,” Cain-Brady wrote in a press release. “We ask that you respect the grieving process in our district as we mourn the loss of one of our students.”