01-28-17

Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and several fire departments responded to a house fire in the 17000 block of E. 278th St. Harrisonville just around 12:15 AM Saturday morning.

Responders were notified of a possible trapped person inside the house. A Cass County deputy first on the scene attempted to locate the person however their attempts were stopped by severe heat and smoke inside the residence.

Fire crews from Central Cass County Fire Protection District, Harrisonville, Dolan West Dolan, West Peculiar, and Garden City responded to the scene. Fire crews located the victim deceased inside the residence shortly after arriving.

The victim has been identified as Saylor Johnson, 16, Harrisonville.

Two other family members escaped the fire. The victim’s mother, Erica Chaney and step father Gary Chaney were transported to a metro hospital for treatment. No one else was in the residence at the time of the fire. One deputy was treated at a local hospital for smoke inhalation.

Investigators at the scene do not believe the fire is suspicious. The exact cause has not been released at this time.

The family has requested privacy at this time.