In a heart-wrenching act of bravery, 17-year-old Troy Koehler used his final moments to save his family from a deadly house fire, ultimately losing his own life in the process.
A Night of Horror
The Koehler family's home in Westminster became an inferno in the early hours of the morning, with flames rapidly consuming the property. Troy, awakened by the smoke, immediately sprang into action.
The Final Rescue
Despite the intense heat and smoke, Troy managed to wake his sleeping parents and younger sister, guiding them to safety through the burning house. Witnesses reported seeing the teenager collapse just moments after ensuring his family had escaped.
A Community in Mourning
Neighbours and emergency services arrived to find the family outside, screaming for help as Troy remained trapped inside. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before recovering Troy's body from the ruins.
Local fire chief Mark Reynolds told reporters: "This young man displayed extraordinary courage. His quick thinking saved four lives, though tragically at the cost of his own."
A Life Cut Short
Troy, described by teachers as a "bright and caring" student, had recently been accepted to university to study engineering. His family have established a memorial fund in his name to support fire safety education.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though early reports suggest an electrical fault may be to blame. The community has rallied around the grieving family, with hundreds attending a vigil for their young hero.
