First responders arrived swiftly but faced insurmountable challenges due to the ferocity of the flames. Chief Dan Casey of the New Melle Fire Protection District described the difficulty in locating the children, stating, “The fire prevented them from being found right away.” Despite the firefighters’ best efforts, the boys could not be saved.

Sharon Oberlag, a neighbor who heard the explosion, reflected on the loss, describing Julian and Jamison as “the nicest little boys” who had a love for school. “They thought school was the coolest thing ever,” she said, emphasizing the vibrancy and joy the brothers brought to their community.

The home where the explosion took place is owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, who expressed deep sorrow for the family’s devastating loss. In a statement, they shared, “Our hearts are with the member of our team and their family who lost their children and grandchildren.”

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been organized to support the family. The effort, which has raised over $145,000, was initiated by Dan Tripp, a co-owner of Good News Brewing in Defiance. Both Evelyn and her mother, Jennifer, are active members of the Defiance Merchants Association, a local organization that has rallied around the family in their time of need. Tripp highlighted that the funds would be used to cover funeral expenses and help the family recover from the loss of their home.

Neighbor Laura Emerson, who visited the scene of the explosion, placed a Christmas wreath on the remains of the house. Speaking of the boys, she shared heartfelt memories: “Those boys appeared content. They were intelligent. They were happy. They were loved.”