A memorial fund has been set up for the family of a Leaf River firefighter who died last week.
According to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, by the time authorities got to the home of the Wood family in Leaf River early Friday morning, they found it engulfed in flames.
Three family members who had escaped the fire were injured, two seriously. A fourth, 19-year-old Gregory Wood, was found dead on the second floor after the fire was put out. Wood was a first-year volunteer firefighter with the Leaf River Fire Protection District.
Wood’s father, who is a deputy chief with the department, and his brother were taken to Rockford hospitals, where they remain. His mother was treated and released.
The home was destroyed. The cause of the fire is under investigation by state and local agencies.
The community held a candlelight vigil for Wood Sunday night. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
The department says a Wood Family Memorial Fund is being set up at the German American State Bank in German Valley for those who want to help.
