June 5th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
Deputy State Fire Marshals have identified the victim of an early morning fire in Hagerstown occurring on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Sophia G. Turner (age 2) was positively identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The cause of death is being withheld while the cause of the fire continues to be investigated.
The 1:03 a.m. fire at 15807 Shinham Road was reported by the owners of the home, James and Beth Clopein who was alerted to the fire after their daughter, Dana Clopein, discovered a fire within the basement of the one-story rancher. Clopein, who resides with her parents in a bedroom within the finished basement of the home, was babysitting for Jenna Clouse of Security Road in Hagerstown. Both Dana Clopein and her father attempted to make re-entry into the basement in an effort to rescue Turner, however were forced to retreat after heavy smoke conditions prevented them to safely enter. Firefighters arrived and later rescued Turner, who was immediately transported to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown. Life saving measures were performed however Turner was subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
A team of Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated within the basement however the cause remains under investigation. Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to assist investigators which is standard operating procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs.
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