My spouse once humorously remarked that my behind could raise the dead from their graves. It’s a funny joke! If it made you smile, feel free to SHARE it on Facebook with your friends and family.
On a more serious note, a heartbreaking event occurred in the small Missouri town of Defiance when a house explosion resulted in the tragic loss of two young lives. Julian, age four, and Jamison, age six, were at home due to a school closure caused by severe weather conditions. The explosion happened early Friday morning near Highway 94, just outside St. Louis, and tragically, the boys were unable to escape or be rescued in time.
Their mother, Evelyn, and their grandparents, Jennifer and Vern, were able to escape the house and reach safety. This information comes from official reports and a GoFundMe campaign created to support the family during this difficult time.
Neighbor Sharon fondly remembered the boys as “the nicest little boys” who were enthusiastic about school. “They thought school was the coolest thing ever,” she shared. Due to the weather-related closure, Jaiden, who had recently started kindergarten, and Julian were at home when the explosion occurred.
Firefighters arrived to find the house already engulfed in flames, which made it impossible to reach the boys. Dan, Chief of the New Melle Fire Protection District, reported that firefighters attempted to enter through a window but were hindered by the intense fire. The boys were discovered later in the wreckage.
Sharon, who heard the explosion, expressed gratitude for the community’s quick response. “The outpouring of support was tremendous, even though the situation was incredibly tragic,” she said. Neighbors Nick and Travis also tried to help but were unable to reach the boys due to the severity of the fire.
The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is still under investigation
The building was owned by The Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Florida-based business founded by David and Jerri Hoffmann, originally from Missouri. The company had plans to develop the area into a notable destination. They extended their condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family affected by this tragedy. As a family-run company, we are dedicated to supporting our team and community.”
Evelyn, the boys’ mother, owns the nearby Defiance RoadHouse, a bar and grill. Evelyn’s mother, Jennifer, had previously run the establishment for many years.
Dan, co-owner of Good News Brewing in Defiance, established a GoFundMe campaign to help the family, which has raised over $145,000. He noted that both Evelyn and Jennifer are active in the Defiance Merchants Association, which supports the local community. “Anyone who met the boys at local events will remember their enthusiasm and the joy they brought to those around them,” Dan said.
The family is dealing with the emotional and financial challenges of arranging two funerals and coping with the loss of their home and belongings. The GoFundMe page highlights the need for both financial and emotional support: “Please keep the family in your thoughts and offer any support you can during this difficult time.”
Neighbor Laura placed a Christmas wreath with plush animals near the site of the explosion, reflecting on the boys with fondness: “They were bright, happy, and loved.” The community continues to show its support and solidarity with the family during this profoundly challenging time.
