East Rochester boy dies trying to save disabled grandfather in fire

An 8-year-old East Rochester boy, Tyler Doohan, was killed in a mobile-home fire while trying to rescue his disabled grandfather.

“It makes me really proud, but I just want him back.” said Doohan’s mother, Crystal Vrooman.

According to Penfield Fire Chief Chris Ebmeyer, Doohan was staying the night at his grandfather’s home with other relatives when he noticed a fire in the mobile home.

While firefighters responded to the emergency call that took place at approximately 4:45 a.m. Tyler had been successful at rescuing six relatives, two of which were children, ages 4 and 6, said Ebmeyer.

Upon retreating back inside to try to rescue his disabled grandfather, the fire had traveled to the back of the trailer. “Unfortunately, they both succumbed to heat and smoke.” added Ebmeyer.

Doohan’s uncle was also killed in the fire.

Piecing together the incident of which she’d been told, Vrooman said, “They were laying in the bed together, trying to get to the window. I was just so grateful that he went with people that he loved, he didn’t go alone.”

Though the cause of the fire is under investigation, it appears to have been accidental.

A statement was released by Richard Stutzman Jr., the interim superintendent of the East Rochester School District where Doohan attended school: “In bravely and selflessly giving his own life, he was able to save the life of six others — and he is truly a hero.”

– Antionette Latrese (@_ALatrese)