Police: Toddler followed dad back into burning house, died
SHARON, Pa. -- A 3-year-old boy was found dead in his family home after a house fire, even though the boy had been rescued and put outside by his father, reports CBS Pittsburgh.
Police say the toddler, Layden Thomas of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was rescued by his dad, Terry Thomas, who put him outside on the porch. But when his father ran back inside the home to save two other children and his wife, the little boy allegedly followed him.
An autopsy is set for late Tuesday.
Severe storms caused a power outage in parts of Sharon late Monday said Lt. Mark Johnson said. For light, while the power was out, the family decided to use a candle. But the candle was knocked over by a 5-year-old and a couch caught on fire.
"Put him on the porch, and went back in for the mother, an infant and a 5-year-old," said Lt. Johnson.
CBS Pittsburgh reports that there's no other way the boy could have wound up back inside without being seen, so police believe the boy must have followed Thomas.
"I've seen things happen, but I never thought it'd hit this close to home," Thomas said. "It's unimaginable, I did my best, I got him to safety."
The other children, Thomas and his wife escaped the fire.
A state police fire marshal was continuing to investigate, but Johnson said the candle was believed to be the cause of the fire. The fire has been ruled accidental.
"Everybody was just frantically looking for the little boy, and nobody could find him," neighbor Morgan Sosebee said.
Investigators believe Layden died of smoke inhalation before his body was found, according to Johnson. He appeared to have some heat burns, but none from direct contact with fire.
"I wouldn't wish this on anybody. He was a good boy," his devastated mother said through tears. "He always would come up to me if I was upset, tell my mommy I love you, I'm your best friend. It's just so surreal."