CLARKSVILLE OHIO, Authorities have identified the victims killed in a devastating early-morning house fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her five young children.
The victims were identified by loved ones as Brooke Gordon and her children: Zayden, 10; Hudson, 8; Ashton, 6; Bostyn, 2; and Tomlyn, 9 months. The Clinton County Coroner’s Office is expected to formally confirm the identities in the coming days.
Emergency crews were dispatched to a two-story residence at approximately 6:40 a.m. after a 911 call reported heavy smoke and flames. By the time firefighters arrived, the home was already fully engulfed in fire.
Multiple fire departments responded and worked to contain the blaze while preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.
Officials said firefighters rescued one adult male from the first floor of the residence. He was later identified as Tommy Allen Jr., the fiancé of Brooke Gordon and father of the children. Allen suffered serious injuries and was transported to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment. Authorities described his condition as serious.
Fire officials said six victims were later discovered inside an upstairs bedroom. A collapsed or partially collapsed stairwell prevented firefighters from reaching the second floor quickly enough to attempt a rescue. During a detailed search later in the day, investigators confirmed the presence of a sixth child inside the home.
Three of the children attended schools in the Clinton-Massie Local School District. District officials confirmed the deaths and announced that crisis counselors and mental health support services would be made available for students and staff.
Eight firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and are expected to recover.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Community members have begun organizing support for the surviving family member, including a fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses and medical costs.
Officials have not yet provided additional details about the cause of the fire as the investigation continues.
