Just two weeks after triumphing over bone cancer, 13-year-old Jerilynn Brown of Independence, Missouri, tragically died in a devastating house fire on July 4, 2025. The blaze, believed to be caused by smoldering fireworks from the night before, tore through her family’s farmhouse in the early hours of the holiday. When firefighters arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, Jerilynn could not be saved. Her mother, Liz Stephens, and an unidentified man were severely injured, and the man later died from his injuries.

Investigators confirmed that the fire started on the home’s back deck, where used fireworks had been left. Authorities suspect they smoldered for hours before igniting the fire that destroyed the home. Tragically, the farmhouse had no working smoke alarms. Fire Chief Jimmy Walker emphasized the dangers of smoldering fires, noting how easily they can go unnoticed and become deadly. The incident has deeply shaken the local community and fire department, with peer counselors brought in to support grieving responders.

Jerilynn had just returned home from the hospital in late June after months of treatment for osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Her father, Jerry Brown, described her as a “bright soul” who showed resilience and kindness throughout her illness. During her hospital stay, she made handmade gifts for the medical staff, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength. Those who knew her say her spirit touched everyone she met.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family rebuild after losing both their daughter and their home. As donations pour in, tributes continue to flood social media, remembering Jerilynn as a brave, vibrant young girl who loved life. Fire officials have since warned the public about the extreme dangers of fireworks and urged greater caution, noting that this was one of several fireworks-related fires across Missouri during the holiday weekend.