OXFORD, Butler County — An 18-year-old high school student died in a house fire in Butler County on Tuesday.
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Ryan Starrett, 18, died from smoke inhalation, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Starrett was a senior at Talawanda High School, according to our media partners, WCPO-9 TV.
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The fire occurred in the 4700 block of Booth Road in Oxford before 4:30 p.m., according to a spokesperson with the Oxford Fire Department.
Upon arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the house.
“There were numerous obstructions surrounding the house, including vehicles that were also on fire,” the spokesperson said.
A resident who escaped from the house through a window told firefighters that their adult son was still inside.
The spokesperson said firefighters tried to get inside, but couldn’t due to “heavy fire volume” and “obstructions.”
A natural gas meter was damaged in the fire.
Firefighters got inside after the flames were under control and the gas line was shut off.
They found Starrett in a bedroom, he was pronounced dead on scene.
Talawanda Schools sent a letter about Starrett’s death to high school families and students.
“The entire THS Family wishes to extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and classmates,” the letter read in part.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office Fire and Explosion Investigative Bureau is investigating this fire.
Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the marshal’s office at (614) 752-7106.
“The Oxford Fire Department extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim,” the spokesperson said.
We will continue to update this developing story.
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