Erin Prairie fire, New Richmond News photo.
Rural New Richmond man dies in Thursday fire
New Richmond News - 11/29/2007
Jeff R. Geurkink, 49, of rural New Richmond died in an early morning fire in the Town of Erin Prairie Thursday.
The fire was discovered by two motorists at around 4 a.m. as they were passing by. They stopped and pounded on the door to awaken any occupants. There was no response to the rescue effort.
The New Richmond Fire Department, a tanker from United Fire, New Richmond Ambulance Service and the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters were on scene for about three hours.
Emergency crews discovered one body in the trailer home, located at 1722 County Road G. Geurkink was the lone occupant of the home.
An autopsy was performed later Thursday morning. Sheriff Dennis Hillstead said it appears that Geurkink's death was accidental. The Sheriff's Department is in charge of the investigation.
