Blaze claims second victim
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:07 p.m., January 22, 2008
Updated 01:07 p.m., January 22, 2008
The fatal duplex fire that broke out a week ago at 603 Valley Drive has claimed a second victim.
The house was occupied by five people, two of whom were trapped inside, according to a press release by the Emporia Fire Department. The home was occupied by people of Auspision LLC. Ryan Steinkuhler, 22, is the second person to die from the fire. Steinkuhler died Monday at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. The first victim to die was Michael Leith, 38, who was found dead on the second floor of the duplex after the fire broke out.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ryan,” Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor said in a press release.
Emporia Fire Marshal Tom Andrews said this morning the fire was ruled accidental. There is no ongoing investigation and the cause of the fire is considered undetermined. He offered three possible causes for the fire — candles, cigarettes or television.
Andrews said there will be an autopsy performed on Steinkuhler and results will be available later this week.
emporian (anonymous) says...
Pretty sad when papers 100 miles away get this story faster than the gazette does. KVOE had it on their website long before this one did.
January 22, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Give the Gazette a break. They do a fine job. Can not be everywhere all the time
January 22, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporiafan (anonymous) says...
Here here admireed....gazette does a fine job keeping people informed.
January 22, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
equalrights (anonymous) says...
forget the paper. SOMEONE DIED. Have some respect.
January 22, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
Thank You equalrights. I agree. To family and friends, I'm sorry for your loss.
January 23, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bornandraisedemporian (anonymous) says...
As a family member of Ryan, we appreciate your concern.
January 25, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )