With hearts heavy with grief, we remember and honor the lives of Jolene Cooper, 25, her daughter Celeste Kershaw, 5, her son Atreus Kershaw, 3, and family members affected by a tragic residential fire in Austinburg Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio, on Friday morning. Their untimely passing has left an unfillable void in the lives of their loved ones and the local community.
The fire broke out around 7:30 a.m. at a residence on the 2100 block of Jefferson Eagleville Road, an old barn that had been repurposed into apartments. According to family, Jolene and the children were trapped on the second floor as flames quickly engulfed the home. Marsha Cooper, Jolene’s mother, explained that alternative heat sources were being used due to maintenance issues, and propane tanks may have accelerated the fire’s rapid spread.
Three others were treated and released from a local hospital, including a 1-year-old child who was thrown from a window in a desperate effort to escape the flames. The survival of these individuals is a small comfort amid an otherwise heartbreaking loss.
Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions, including the Geneva Fire Department, worked under extremely challenging conditions, navigating narrow roads and cold, inclement weather while still combating hot spots. Chief David Shook confirmed that the Ohio State Fire Marshal has been called in to assist with the investigation. Deputies from the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department are also on the scene, supporting the firefighting and investigation efforts.
This tragedy has left the family and community in shock and mourning. Today, we pause to remember Jolene, Celeste, and Atreus, honoring their lives, their laughter, and the love they shared. Their absence is deeply felt, and their memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.
May their souls rest in eternal peace
May their family find strength and support in this time of profound sorrow
And may their lives be remembered with love, compassion, and hope.