Three people, including a 17-year-old high school softball player, have perished in a house fire in Pulaski County.
The fire began Tuesday morning at approximately 1:20 on Parkers Mill Road in Somerset. The fire was initially reported by a passing motorist.
Killed in the blaze were 78-year-old Norma Dean Putteet, 55-year-old Jerry Todd Putteet and 17-year-old BriLee Putteet.
BriLee attended Southwestern High School and played on the school’s fast pitch softball team.
Head coach Kevin Dalton posted the following message on the team’s Facebook page after BriLee’s death:
We are heartbroken to share the passing of a former teammate of ours, BriLee Putteet. BriLee was more than just a player-she was a light on and off the field. She was always willing to help wherever needed and lifting up her teammates. She was a true team player with a kind heart and infectious smile. BriLee will be deeply missed by so many. The Warrior family sends our thoughts and prayers to the Putteet family during this difficult time.
One man, 53-year-old Brian Lee Putteet, made it out of the fire but suffered burns and was airlifted to a burn facility in Louisville.
The cause of the blaze has not been determined, but fire officials told WYMT.com that it likely started in the “lower portion of the home,” which suffered the most severe damage.
“Just feel really sorry for the family. I’ve done this for a really long time,” Pulaski County Deputy Coroner Keith Price told WYMT.com. “I have been in emergency services for 40 years here. And I’ve seen a lot of it. It’s really tragic for the family; for the rest of the family to try to pick up and go on.”
(Headline photo: BriLee Putteet, courtesy of the Southwestern High School softball team Facebook page)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
