A tragic explosion destroyed a home in Defiance, Missouri, killing two young brothers, Julian (4) and Jamison Keiser (6). Their school had canceled classes due to severe weather, leaving them at home when the fire broke out early Friday morning.
Their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, managed to escape, but firefighters were unable to reach the boys in time. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
The home belonged to the Hoffmann Family of Companies, which expressed condolences and pledged support. The boys’ mother owned a nearby restaurant, the Defiance RoadHouse, and the family is active in the local business community.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by friends has raised over $145,000 to help with funeral costs and rebuilding. Neighbors remembered the boys as joyful and full of life — “They were loved and brought happiness to everyone around them.”
