Tuesday morning (Nov. 21) Medaryville Fire

Pulaski County Sheriff photo

Medaryville Police photo

Medaryville candlelight vigil for Chloee Compton Nov. 22

The victim has been identified by police as Chloee Compton, 14, Medaryville, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death remains under investigation.

When the first emergency crews arrived on the scene, they were notified that a juvenile was still inside the residence. As emergency crews did everything possible to extinguish the fire which had engulfed the structure, they were unable to get aid to the juvenile in the home, according to an early police report.

Those who escaped the home were checked out at the scene by the Pulaski County EMS. They have been identified as Donna Compton-Grinnell  and three children ages 13, 11 and 8.

Sheriff Chris Schramm reports that counselors were at West Central High School Tuesday morning to meet with the freshman class, along with teachers, staff and other students.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office was notified, and the investigation of the cause of the fire is ongoing.  Police report the preliminary findings indicate the cause was accidental, related to faulty wiring.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s office, Medaryville and Francesville fire departments, Pulaski Emergency Medical Services, Pulaski County Coronor’s Office and Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office are all working together at the scene.

The Town of Medaryville is reporting that churches in the area are planning a candlelight vigil for the teen fire victim at 6 p.m., Wednesday (Nov. 22), at the Medaryville baseball diamond.

The town office also reports that those in the community who wish to help the family during this difficult time may reach out to the various churches in the community, West Central Schools, or the American Legion Post 96 in town.

A complete obituary for Chloee appears on this website.

WC Superintendent's letter to parents

In a letter to the West Central Schools community late Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe said, “It is my heartfelt sorrow that I convey to you that a member of the West Central Schools suffered a tragic loss in their family today. An early morning fire took the home and life of one of our high school students in the town of Medaryville. We ask that you keep the Compton family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through difficult times ahead.”

Rowe noted to parents that “your child may know the student and/or family members affected by this morning's fire and may have questions. The superintendent confirmed the school had counselors and pastors at both West Central Elementary and West Central Middle/High School all day Tuesday to talk with students and staff who needed support.

“Students have been encouraged to write letters of support to the family and to express their feelings about the tragedy,” Rowe said. “They have created a banner to show their support for the student, siblings and family in addition to decorating the student's locker and writing letters.”

She wrote to parents that the school knows they may want to help in some fashion and reported the school willl be sending out more information at a later date about food, clothing and household donations, including where those donations may be sent. Those who would like to offer in other ways are asked to contact each school's front office. 

“The West Central Community is strong and resilient, pulling together for one another in times of greatest need. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our community partners, 4C Counseling, and local pastors who have lent their time and support in helping our students through this difficult time,” Rose said. “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Compton family today and in the future as they are supported by our community in the days and weeks ahead.”

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.