A devastating house explosion in Defiance, Missouri, on Friday morning claimed the lives of brothers Julian Keiser, 4, and Jamison Keiser, 6. The explosion occurred while schools were closed due to extreme weather, leaving the boys at home with their family.

Their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, managed to escape the flames, but firefighters were unable to reach the children in time. Chief Dan Casey of the New Melle Fire Protection District noted the intense fire made rescue efforts nearly impossible.

The explosion has left the local community heartbroken. Neighbor Sharon Oberlag remembered the boys fondly, calling them “the nicest little boys” who “thought school was the coolest thing ever.”

The home, owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, was completely destroyed. The company expressed deep condolences, calling the loss “devastating.”

In the aftermath, a GoFundMe organized by Dan Tripp, co-owner of Good News Brewing, has raised over $145,000 to help the family with funeral costs and rebuilding. Evelyn and her mother are active members of the Defiance Merchants Association, which has rallied in support.

Julian and Jamison’s memory lives on through the love they inspired in their close-knit community.