The Free Press
SLEEPY EYE — The state fire marshal has ruled out foul play as the cause of an early morning house fire in Sleepy Eye.
Katie Rehbein, 29, suffered extensive burns and smoke inhalation in the fire that destroyed her home and displaced her family. Rehbein remains at Hennepin County Medical Center where she as well as her 3-year-old son were listed in critical condition Monday afternoon.
Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, the fire marshal stated in a press release.
Emergency personnel responded to a call at 7:01 a.m. Thursday reporting the fire on the 700 block of N.E. Third Avenue. They discovered two people helping the occupants escape the burning house. Officers then learned Rehbein was still inside. Firefighters entered the house and removed her.
The other occupants — Mindi Rehbein, 56, an 11-year-old boy, 8-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy were treated at Sleepy Eye Medical Center and have been released, police said.
A GoFundMe has been established to help the family. To donate, go to: tinyurl.com/5t3fp9jy.