A Missouri family’s Fourth of July celebration turned into tragedy when 13-year-old Jerilynn Brown, newly recovered from cancer, died in a house fire sparked by leftover fireworks.

Just two weeks earlier, Jerilynn had rung the victory bell at Children’s Mercy Hospital after beating osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Her triumph brought hope to her family, who believed the worst was behind them.

But on the morning of July 4, flames tore through her family’s farmhouse in Independence, Missouri. Fire officials confirmed the blaze likely began on the back deck, where smoldering fireworks from the night before were found. The fire started around 5 a.m. and quickly engulfed the home before firefighters arrived.

Jerilynn was found dead inside. Her mother, Liz Stephens, was rescued but remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A man at the scene later died, and one firefighter was injured during the rescue.

The farmhouse had no working smoke detectors—something officials say could have saved lives. Fire Chief Jimmy Walker noted, “They don’t stop fires, but they give you a head start to escape.”

The emotional toll was heavy. Peer counselors were brought in to support firefighters. “To see a young girl who just beat cancer… to have it end like this,” said Chief Walker, overcome with emotion.

Jerilynn’s father, Jerry Brown, described her as a bright soul who made personalized gifts for hospital staff during her cancer treatment. “What I’ll miss most are her hugs,” he said.

A GoFundMe campaign has raised over \$9,000 to help the family rebuild and cover funeral expenses.