IL House Fire Claims Woman, Three Children

Sept. 18, 2016
Rockford firefighters said the one-story home was fully engulfed when they arrived.

An early morning house fire in Rockford on Saturday left four people dead, including three children.

Rockford firefighters found the one-story home on Garfield Avenue well involved when they arrived around 5 a.m.

Officials told the Rockford Register-Star three of the bodies were discovered after the fire was placed under control. The fourth body was found hours later. 

Three of the victims were identified as Keandrea Austin, 27. Keeryn Austin, 6 and Deangalo Tohy 9 by the coroner's office. 

The fourth victim was identified as as 6-month-old Aliya Beasley-Austin Sunday afternoon.

"We haven't ruled anything out at this point," Division Chief Matthew Knott told the newspaper about the cause of the fire.

"It's just a shock. They just moved in," neighbor Betty Feeley told the newspaper. 

The intense fire damaged a nearby home.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!