HUXLEY, Iowa- Huxley, Iowa Police Chief Stoll tells WHO Radio News a second person has died after a Sunday morning house fire. Police say 17-year-old Daniel Van Ersvelde who was injured in the fire, has died.
The teen's father 47-year-old Brett Van Ersvelde died at Des Moines hospital Sunday. Forty-four-year-old Julie McClain was injured in the fire, and taken to Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Two other teens escaped the fire. Officials say the parents were injured, trying to rescue the 17-year-old.
The 17-year-old was first taken to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, then transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.
Sergeant Joe Marchesano tells WHO Radio News Huxley Police Officer Jacque Gloede was first to arrive, and was attempted to rescue three individuals, trapped in the burning home, who did not want to leave their 17-year-old autistic son inside. Sergeant Marchesano joined in the effort, and they were able to pull the mother through a window.
He says an ax was used to try and reach the other two, who were unconscious, but the smoke and fire became too intense. Sergeant Marchesano and Officer Gloede suffered minor injuries, smoke inhalation and some cuts, and were treated and released from the hospital. .
Iowa father dies trying to save son from house fire PHOTOS
By Wendy Wilde