Names released of Garden Prairie fire victims

GARDEN PRAIRIE, Ill. (WIFR) - Siblings Emanuel McConnaughay, 24, Elizabeth McConnaughay, 20, Danika Tatman, 14, Zophia Tatman, 13 and Aniela Tatman, 9, lost their lives Monday after their home caught fire.

Boone County Coroner Rebecca Wigget released the names Friday, March 11 after preliminary results of an autopsy showed smoke inhalation as the cause of all five siblings death.

The case remains under investigation. This is the most updated information available at this time.

Fire Chief Brian Kunce confirmed just before 2:30 p.m. on Monday that the residents unaccounted for have been recovered.

A deadly fire claims five lives around 2:30 am in Garden Prairie on Monday. First responders rushed six residents and one deputy officer, to local hospitals for unknown injuries. Since treatment, the deputy has been released.

Tri-State Fire Alert tweeted about the incident saying:

Boone District 2 Fire - 3rd Alarm now Tenders only off Box 10 for a fully involved house fire at 11359 Fleming Rd In Garden Prairie - Reported multiple people trapped
— Tri-State Fire Alert (@Fire_Alerts911) March 7, 2022

Boone County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 11000 block of Fleming Road in rural Garden Prairie to investigate the fire which engulfed the home.

Five individuals are still unaccounted for, but are believed to be dead inside the residence after the fire.

An investigation is currently underway by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Boone County District #2 Fire, Illinois State Fire Marshall, ATF, Illinois State Police, and the Boone County Coroner.

Six people were evacuated from the home and transported to the hospital for treatment.

The condition of the other patients is not known at this time, though authorities say at least two suffered from smoke inhalation. Responders say weather conditions made extinguishing the flames extra difficult. The cause is under investigation.