The cause of Thursday’s deadly fire is still under investigation.
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Frederick said the school received word this morning that the Westerhuis family had died in a fire.
The superintendent of a small South Dakota school district has canceled all classes after learning that four students and their parents were killed during an early-morning house fire.
Scott and Nicole Westerhuis both worked for Mid-Central Educational Cooperative, providing speech, language and hearing services to schools.
Platte Fire Chief Rick Gustad said a passer-by reported the fire at about 5:30 a.m., and firefighters from Platte and neighboring Geddes reached the scene around 5:50 a.m. He said he believes the fire had been burning for some time before it was reported.
A rural South Dakota community is mourning a family of six found dead in the ruins of their burned home, as authorities investigate what one official described as an unusual house fire.
“It’s a great idea to show respect for him and his family”, said Frank Cutler, Platte-Geddes athletic director.
The district dismissed students early and counselors were on hand to help students, teachers and staff.
“Our first and foremost concern is sending prayers to the Westerhuis family”, he said.
“They were involved with coaching their teams, worked with their youth groups at church”, he said.
On Thursday dozens of firemen, investigators and Division of Criminal Investigation agents combed through what was left of the Westerhuis’ home, reports Keloland.
‘It’s going to be a very big hole in my kids lives and in this town’s hearts. When you hear something this tragic the whole town is going to know nearly instantly, ‘ Platte Senior Alex Gerlach told KSFY.
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“We are coming together as a district and a community to be there for each other”, Frederick said.
