Childhood friends died during the early morning hours on Sunday, April 22 after a fire started in their Edwardsville off-campus apartment.

21-year-old Lacy Siddal and 19-year-old Lauren Petersen were students at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Around 3:45 a.m., a neighbor noticed smoke pouring out of a window in their apartment and called the fire department. First responders found the two women unconscious in the bedroom.

Fire fighters carried both women out of the apartment. They were taken to Anderson Hospital in Maryville and later flown to St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield where both died on Monday. Officials are investigating whether or not the fire detector was working as well as for the source of the fire.

Losing a family member in a fire is devastating. If you or a loved one knows someone who has lost someone in a fire, call Spiros Law at 815-929-9292 for professional legal representation. Visit the website at www.spiroslaw.com.

A 12-year-old Momence boy, who was known for being caring and energetic, was killed after a fire broke out in his home on Saturday morning.

According to officials, the boy was killed before sunrise on Saturday when an intense fire broke out. His other five family members were able to escape the fire.

Fire officials stated that the fire was so intense, they were unable to stay in the home during the rescue mission. The boy’s father and brother are currently at Loyola Medical Center recovering from serious injuries.

A candlelight vigil was held for the young boy on Sunday.

Our deepest condolences are with the friends and family of the victim at this time.