Minnesota Mom Dies Saving Daughter From House Fire
St. Paul, MN (MinnesotaNow) - A GoFundMe has been created in memory of a Minnesota woman who lost her life while saving her young daughter from a fire at the family's St. Paul home a little over a week ago.
GoFundMe Created for Bonnie Pierce's Family
The online fundraiser will benefit 38-year-old Bonnie Pierce's four daughters and her grandson. The GoFundMe website indicates that one of the daughters, a toddler, remains hospitalized with critical injuries she suffered in the fire on August 22.
According to the website, Bonnie Pierce and two of her daughters were inside the home when the fire broke out. One of the girls managed to escape by kicking out an air-conditioning unit and climbing through the window.
Mother Rushed Back Into Burning Home
The GoFundMe says her mother was also able to escape but then realized that her other daughter was still inside the home. That's when she rushed back into the house to find her.
“When firefighters entered the home, they found Bonnie shielding Grace with her own body. Bonnie was protecting her daughter until the very end, making the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to save her child," the GoFundMe states.
Ultimate Sacrifice
The author of the GoFundMe says Bonnie Pierce was unresponsive when firefighters pulled her out of the home and had suffered burns over nearly 50% of her body. She died from her severe injuries two days after the fire.
Family Faces Medical and Other Expenses
The website says the money raised will help pay for the surviving daughter's medical bills and expenses associated with her recovery, as well as other unexpected costs associated with the tragedy.
Cause of Fire Remains Under Investigation
Members of Bonnie Pierce's family appeared with St. Paul Fire Department officials at a news conference late last week. Officials indicated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper