Authorities ID Girl, 5, Dead In Ham Lake Fire
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities have identified a 5-year-old girl who died in a house fire in Ham Lake early Sunday morning.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office and Ham Lake Fire Department responded at about 12:41 a.m. to a report of a structure fire on the 3000 block of Meadow Lane. Authorities say a 36-year-old man, identified as Scott Thomas Andrus of Ham Lake, and his daughter, identified as Jaidyn Grace Andrus of Elk River, were both home at the time of the fire.
Authorities say after the fire started and after several attempts, Scott Andrus was able to retrieve Jaidyn Andrus from her bedroom. She was transported to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, where she later died. Scott Andrus was also taken to Mercy Hospital and remains hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Anoka County Fire Investigation Team, Ham Lake Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office are all investigating the incident. Authorities say the fire appears to have started in Jaidyn's bedroom, but the exact cause is under investigation.
The family of Jaidyn Andrus released a statement Sunday night.
"Today, we experienced a parent's worst nightmare when our daughter, Jaidyn Grace Andrus was tragically taken from us in a house fire. No words can ever explain the depth of our love for her. This incident has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, our friends, and all who knew our daughter. We know now that we are far from alone in our struggle today, as parents from all walks of life have suffered the tragic loss of a child under horrifying circumstances. We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have come forward with love and support during this difficult time. We thank you for your continued prayers and good thoughts, but we also ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve for the loss of our daughter," the statement reads.
A GoFundMe site has been established to help the family with expenses. You can donate to it here.
