In a tragic incident in Defiance, Missouri, two young boys, Julian Keiser (4) and Jamison Keiser (6), died when their house exploded early Friday morning. Their school had canceled classes due to extreme weather, so they were at home with their mother, Evelyn Turpiano, and grandparents, who managed to escape.
Despite firefighters’ efforts, the blaze was too intense, and the boys couldn’t be saved. Neighbor Sharon Oberlag described them as “the nicest little boys” who loved school. The explosion’s cause is still under investigation.
This heartbreaking event has left the community in mourning as they remember the two boys.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Florida-based business founded by David and Jerri Hoffmann, owned the building where the tragedy occurred. The Hoffmanns, who bought nearby wineries and restaurants, aimed to transform the area into the Midwest’s Napa Valley.
In a statement, the company expressed condolences to the family of the victims, saying, “Our hearts are with the member of our team and their family who lost their children and grandchildren.”
The boys’ mother, Evelyn Turpiano, owns the nearby Defiance RoadHouse, and their grandmother, Jennifer Ham, had also worked in the area. A GoFundMe campaign for the family had raised over $145,000 by Monday.
Locals remember the boys for their joy and excitement, often seen at the Roadhouse and community events. In addition to losing their home, the family now faces the burden of two funerals. The community has rallied around them with both emotional and financial support.
