Who were Keegan and Casey Clontz? 'Loving' father and 'devoted son' among those killed in Pittsburgh house explosion
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Two of the five people, including a child, have been identified by a family killed in a mysterious Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, house explosion in Plum suburb on 12 August.
In the explosion, two other neighboring properties were also destroyed, authorities have confirmed, as per Daily Mail.
Who were Keegan and Casey Clontz ?
Casey Clontz, 38, and his son Keegan, 12, who lived four houses from the property which was destroyed in the explosion have been identified as those among killed, WTAE confirmed from a family friend.
In a statement shared with the publication, the family described Casey as "a football and gymnastics dad." He would often spend time with children.
Keegan was described as Casey's "shadow." The father and son would often go hunting and fishing together.
Even though there has been no explanation as to why the father and son were at Oratvitz's property when the explosion occurred, it is said that it was not uncommon for them to visit the neighbourhood for their friendly nature.
Casey was a 'loving father' and Keegan was a 'devoted son'
The family told the Tribe that Casey was a "loving father, husband and brother" and Keegan was a "devoted son, friend and big brother."
Casey leaves behind a wife, Jen Clontz of 14 years and a daughter Addie, 10. He is also survived by his twin sister, Rachel, and a younger sister, Ashley besides his mother, Donna, and father, Tom.
Casey had graduated from Gateway High School and was employed by Peoples Gas.
Even though Keegan, who was often seen with his father, was described as "1000% momma's boy." He would have been 13 in January next year.
"Their smiles and laughter filled their family’s and friends’ hearts with joy that can never be replaced," the family members said.
Oravitz family and Smith family set up GoFundMe for Keegan and Casey Clontz
The Oravitz family, along GoFundMe Rustic Ridge Drive where the explosion happened, has set up a GoFundMe page.
It described the family has suffered "unimaginable loss," and appealed to come forward for their aid as "this amazing family who have given countless hours to others."
Public records, as per Daily Mail, show that Paul Oravitz, 56, his wife Heather, 51, and their two children, Taylor and Cole, lived at the property.
Mike Thomas, his wife Jacqueline, 48, and their daughter were taken to the hospital
Borough manager Mike Thomas, 57, owned third property which was destroyed, according to Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel.
Thomas' wife Jacqueline, 48, and their daughter were taken to the hospital, Schlegel confirmed to the publication.
Another family also set up a GoFundPage. Harrison Smith, 35, his wife Kelly, 36, and their son Levi, 3, lost their entire home in the blast.
The identification will take some time for dental records and DNA is being used for formal identifiaction. Three people were rescued, of which, two were released from the hospital.