A Minnesota mother died after reentering her burning home to shield her young daughter, according to family members and fire officials. Bonnie Pierce, 38, was found by firefighters protecting her 4-year-old daughter, Grace, after initially escaping a fire that broke out at their Saint Paul duplex on August 22.
Firefighters discovered Pierce in a bedroom as they searched the structure, with Grace found underneath her. Interim Saint Paul Fire Chief Gregory Duren stated that crews encountered extreme fire conditions and near-zero visibility. Both mother and daughter were transported to local hospitals. Grace survived the incident but remains in critical condition.
Pierce had escaped the initial blaze but returned to rescue her daughter. Loved ones noted that Pierce was protecting her child "until the very end, making the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to save her child." She was found unresponsive after approximately 15 minutes without oxygen and sustained burns to 48 percent of her body, according to her family.
Pierce is survived by her four daughters and a grandson. A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $80,000 to support the family. The incident is currently under investigation by officials. This tragedy occurred days after a separate fire in Richmond, California, on August 20, claimed the lives of four family members, with authorities accusing a man of intentionally starting that blaze.