In Gainesville, Georgia, a family is mourning the death of their 11-year-old daughter who died trying to rescue her dog from a house fire.
According to Fox News, Katelynn Simonds, has been hailed a hero after risking her own safety to save her beloved dog from a house fire Saturday, April 6. The fire, which broke out in the early evening, quickly engulfed the home, leaving Simonds with little time to react.
Spalding County Fire Chief, Mike Byrd, stated his team arrived to heavy billowing smoke and “heavy fire conditions” on the first and second floor making rescue attempts difficult. Although the fire was quickly brought under control, Katelynn had not escaped. She was found on the second floor with her dog, and had already succumbed to the smoke. Her family said she ran back to the house to save her dog, but couldn’t escape and was trapped inside the burning residence.
According to reports, the young girl had successfully escaped the fire, but ran back into the burning house; she was an animal lover and wanted to save her puppy named “Little Man.” Four family members who were inside the home when the fire started were able to escape. The fire completely destroyed the home and has been ruled accidental.
Katelynn was a fifth grader at Cowan Road Elementary School in Griffin.
Rest in peace Katelynn and Little Man.
(Photo via screenshot from posted video)
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