Gayle “Diane” Quitschau, Dennis R. Quitschau Obituary, Death: Coroner releases names of victims in fatal Peoria Heights house fire.
Gayle “Diane” Quitschau, Dennis R. Quitschau Obituary, Death – A tragic house fire in Peoria Heights on Thursday claimed the lives of a married couple, Gayle “Diane” Quitschau, 68, and Dennis R. Quitschau, 69. The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, has confirmed that the couple succumbed to severe smoke inhalation and extensive burns caused by the fire.
The blaze occurred in a residential area near the intersection of California and Moneta Avenues. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at 12:52 p.m. Despite their swift efforts, the fire had already caused significant harm. Both victims were rendered unconscious by smoke inhalation before suffering burns to 90% of their bodies, as detailed by the coroner.
When fire crews arrived, Gayle was found unresponsive inside the house. She was rushed to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center, but despite medical intervention, she was pronounced dead at 1:53 p.m. Dennis was discovered at the scene, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, working alongside local authorities to determine what led to the tragic incident. This devastating loss has left the community in mourning as they await more details about the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The deaths of Gayle and Dennis highlight the catastrophic effects of house fires, underscoring the importance of fire safety and preparedness. Friends, family, and neighbors are now grappling with the sudden loss of the couple, who were remembered as longtime residents of the area.
As the investigation continues, authorities aim to provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future. This heartbreaking incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers of house fires and the swift devastation they can cause.
