HUXLEY, Iowa - An Iowa father died this weekend trying to save his son from a house fire in Huxley, located south of Ames in Central Iowa.
Police say 47-year-old Brett Van Ersvelde and his wife, 44-year-old Julie McClain ran into a back bedroom to save their autistic teen son, but became trapped.
Police officers used an ax to break through a window to rescue the three, but Van Ersvelde died.
WHO TV reports two first responders were also hurt. Huxley police officer Jacque Gloede and Story County Sheriff's deputy Matt Massaro have injuries to their hands and arms from their efforts to pull family members out of the burning house, at 307 Sycamore Boulevard.
Two teen daughters escaped safely.