Witnesses: 11-year-old Florida girl killed in fire possibly trying to save dogs 7-month-old pit bulls also died in fire, deputies say No description found
SARASOTA, Fla. – An 11-year-old Florida girl died when she ran back into her burning home, possibly to save her two puppies, witnesses told authorities.
Rilee Beisler and her 7-month-old pit bulls died in the Thursday afternoon fire that destroyed two homes at a mobile park, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said. Witnesses said they saw her go back inside her home. While they tried to help, Rilee never came back out.
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A sixth grader, she had moved into the home six months ago with her mother.
“She had a heart of gold,” her aunt, Laura Alden, told WFLA-TV. “She loves those dogs....Those were her babies.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Deputies believe Rilee died of smoke inhalation.
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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