A devastating Labor Day house fire northwest of Granville that claimed the lives of three teenagers is also highlighting the extraordinary heroism of a 12-year-old boy who escaped the burning home and sought help in the crucial first minutes.
The fire was reported at 4:58 a.m. Monday, September 1st, at a residence on 430th Street, two and a half miles northwest of Granville. Granville firefighters, with assistance from Hospers, arrived to find the home filled with heavy smoke. Four teenagers were rescued from inside and taken to Orange City Area Health.
Sixteen-year-old Kolten Hofmeyer of Alton died shortly after arriving. Siblings Bryleigh Koob, 16, and Ashton Koob, 17, of Granville were flown to specialty hospitals but later died from their injuries. A fourth teen — a 16-year-old boy from Alton — survived the fire.
Preliminary findings indicated that the fire was accidental, likely electrical in nature, originating in the living room. The investigation continues with assistance from the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Amid the tragedy, attention has turned to the actions of 12-year-old Jayce Koob, a sixth grader at MOC-Floyd Valley, who awoke to heavy smoke and alarms, escaped through the burning structure, and — with no phone available — walked nearly a mile in the darkness to alert neighbors and call 911. Authorities say his quick decision and clear-mindedness played a critical role in getting emergency responders to the scene as fast as possible, ultimately aiding in the survival of the lone teen who lived.
Jayce’s courage is now being recognized on a larger stage. He has been selected as Iowa’s Hero for the annual Iowa–Nebraska “Heroes Game,” presented by Pioneer Seeds. He will be honored on the field during Friday’s matchup in Lincoln, and his name will be engraved on the Heroes Game trophy.
Nebraska’s honoree, 16-year-old Ashley De La Cruz-Martin of Columbus, will also be recognized for performing life-saving CPR on a man who collapsed outside a water park earlier this summer.
For many in Sioux County, Jayce’s recognition offers a moment of hope and strength in the midst of overwhelming loss — and stands as a reminder of the impact a young person can make when every second counts.
Story and Photo Courtesy of HawkeyeSports.com (with permission)
