A Hibbing, Minn., fire that claimed several lives Tuesday took a heartbreaking turn on Wednesday when Hibbing authorities revealed that the deaths included a retired city fire captain, his wife and two of their grandchildren.
Steven Jon Gillitzer, 67, and his 63-year-old wife Patricia Lynn Gillitzer died at their home while attempting to rescue their grandchildren in 20-below temperatures, the Hibbing fire department said in a statement Wednesday. Nine-year-old Todd Jacob Gillitzer Jr., Jonathon Steven Gillitzer, 8, and 3-year-old Isaiah Anteus Adams were visiting their grandparents.
During the night "Gillitzer was alerted to the fire and rushed into action to save the family," the statement said, adding that the 8-year-old recalled being roused by his grandfather telling him there is a fire and they needed to get out. But the child couldn't find his way out of the home through the smoke and darkness.