Fire kills teen, injures father
By D.A. WILKINSON
wilkinson@vindy.com
COLUMBIANA
Justin Welshhans had wanted to be a fireman.
But the 17-year-old boy died in a fire at 1 a.m. Sunday at his home at 702 West Southern Blvd.
His father, George, 44, who lived in the house with Justin, is in St. Elizabeth Heath Center in a medically induced coma in an attempt to get soot out of his lungs, according to Fred Welshhans, the grandfather and father, respectively, of the victims.
Welshhans said he had returned to his house near where his son and grandson were living.
Cindy Lintz also lives near the site of the burned house, with her husband, Bob, who was returning from work in Cleveland.
She said she heard a voice and someone pounding on her door.
“I was afraid to open the door and called 911,” she said.
Through the call she learned of the fire and then recognized it was Fred outside, who had collapsed outside the Lintz home while trying to get help.
She wrapped blankets around him to keep him warm.
Police, fire and EMT members were at the scene in three to five minutes, she said.
The sounds coming from the burning home, she said, “were just horrible. I just felt so helpless.”
She said that George may have been trying to get out with his son behind him, but Justin may have gone back for his pets.
Welshhans said his grandson was taking shop at the Columbiana County Career Center but wanted to become a fireman.
Justin was not one for shaking hands but would touch his knuckles to his teacher’s fist as their greeting.
“I loved my grandson,” he said.
The Ohio state fire marshal office is investigating the fire. A spokesman said tests may not be completed for some time.
Justin’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Columbiana Church of the Nazarene. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church Thursday.
Contributions to help defray George’s medical bills and Justin’s funeral expenses can be made at any branch of the Farmers Bank payable to: Justin Welshhans Family Benefit Fund.