The Westmoreland County coroner has identified the victims as 27-year-old Tyler King and his children: seven-year-old Kyson John, six-year-old Kinzleigh John, three-year-old Keagan John, and one-month-old Korbyn John.

In a frantic race against the raging inferno, firefighters were able to rescue the mother, Miranda John, alongside two of her children, ten-year-old Kayden John and one-year-old Kash John. Currently, Miranda is in stable condition, with her sons fighting for their lives in the ICU in critical condition.

“Due to some complications, we were unable to get to everybody due to the progression of the fire on arrival,” Bill lamented, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the responders.

The intensity of the fire not only devastated the King family home but also caused damage to neighboring properties. A local resident, Jack Mull, vividly recounted his attempts to assist the family amidst the chaos.

Jack recalled being outside for a cigarette when he saw the home’s porch on fire. He witnessed a distressing scene as Miranda stood on the roof, screaming for her children. Jack, alongside firefighters and police officers, made a valiant effort to rescue the mother and her two children.

As the city mourns the loss of young lives, the impact on first responders has been profound. Jeannette Mayor Curtis J. Antoniak and Chief Bill both spoke to the emotional toll such tragedies exact on those who serve.

In the aftermath, Chief Bill and the Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson faced the painstaking task of combing through the debris, a process fraught with emotional challenges as reminders of the children were scattered among the ruins. “Emotions are definitely raw. You got kids’ toys and stuff thrown throughout the yard. It definitely takes its toll on you,” expressed Coroner Tim.

In the wake of the disaster, investigations led by the state police fire marshal and Jeannette fire personnel are underway to determine the cause, while the presence of working smoke detectors in the home remains uncertain. The Red Cross is providing assistance to those affected as the community begins the difficult journey towards healing.

Family members are seeking solace and strength in their memories of the five who perished in the blaze. Miranda’s cousin, Natasha Reaggle, offered a poignant remembrance of each victim, painting a picture of a family bound by love and shared joy.

“A mother lost four of her beloved children and the love of her life,” Natasha shared, highlighting the deep bond between Miranda and her fiancé Tyler, a couple who shared “a love that most dream of” over the last 12 years. Tyler, remembered as an “amazing, kind-hearted person,” was known for his ever-present smile and gentle spirit.

The family’s plea for prayers and unity speaks to their enduring strength and the supportive embrace of their community. “We’re all just trying to rally around each other,” Natasha said, reflecting on the collective effort to support both the survivors and honor those lost. “We’re just praying for both the ones that we lost and the ones that are still here. Just trying to stick together through this.”

Shawnee shared memories of Tyler’s devotion to his family, especially his children. “We loved him,” she said. “He was always talking about the children. He loved them.” According to Shawnee, her late grandson was also known for spending significant time with his twin brother’s family, further highlighting the close-knit bonds that defined his life.

Superintendent Matthew Jones expressed the community’s profound sorrow in a letter to families, stating, “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I send this message in the aftermath of the tragic fire that has deeply affected our city.”

Dan Cooper, president of the Jeannette Midget Athletic Association, captured the community’s sentiment by stating, “You just feel hurt. You feel their pain and you do your best to try to keep it positive for them.”

Here’s another heartbreaking story where four little children and their dad were found dead early in the morning.