Jeramya Craig and Paxton Craig die in fatal Evansville house fire

Jeramya Craig and Paxton Craig die in fatal Evansville house fire

Fatal Evansville house fire death of Jeramya Craig and Paxton Craig – Obituary

Jeramya Craig, 14, and his younger brother Paxton Craig, 10, both of Evansville, Indiana, were killed early Sunday morning when a fire engulfed their two-story home at 604 E. Powell Street. A third juvenile, who was also in the house, was critically injured and transported to a hospital in Indianapolis. Authorities have not released the child’s name.

The Vanderburgh County Coroner confirmed the identities of the two boys as investigators work to determine the fire’s cause. Emergency responders, including over two dozen firefighters, rushed to the scene shortly after a 911 call at 1:45 a.m., when temperatures were below freezing. Crews found two children on the first floor and a third upstairs. Despite immediate medical attention, Jeramya and Paxton were pronounced dead.

The Evansville Fire Department, with assistance from the ATF and local police, is investigating. Early findings suggest the fire started on the first floor and spread rapidly to the second story, possibly aided by balloon-frame construction common in older homes, which can allow flames to move vertically through wall cavities.

Officials continue to examine details such as the presence and functionality of smoke detectors. The community and emergency personnel are mourning the loss of the two young brothers, whose deaths highlight the dangers of residential fires.