Kolten Hofmeyer, Ashton Koob Obituary, Death; Authorities: Early morning house fire kills 3 teens, multiple families affected.

Kolten Hofmeyer, Ashton Koob Obituary, Death – Three teenagers lost their lives in a devastating early morning house fire in rural northwest Iowa, according to Sioux County officials. The tragic incident unfolded around 5 a.m. on Monday at a residence located just a few miles outside of Granville.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they were met with heavy smoke pouring from the home. Due to the intensity of the fire and the urgent need for additional manpower, nearby fire departments were called to assist in the emergency response.

Inside the residence, firefighters discovered four people in critical condition. They were quickly transported by ambulance services to Orange City Area Health. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical teams, three of the victims did not survive. Authorities later identified them as 16-year-old Kolten Hofmeyer, 16-year-old Bryleigh Koob, and 17-year-old Ashton Koob.

A fourth victim, also 16, was transferred to a specialized burn unit in Minnesota, where they remain in critical condition. The identity of this teen has not been released.

The news has left the community shaken. Sioux County Sheriff Jamie Van Voorst expressed the deep sense of loss in a statement, urging residents to come together during this time of grief. “I’ve come to you before, Sioux County, to ask that you rally around a hurting and broken family, school and community … we are in dire need again,” Van Voorst said. “In this sad tragedy, there are several families involved and a large community affected. This is heavy, heartbreaking, and overwhelming.”

Investigators from the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office have been called in to determine the cause of the blaze, which remains under investigation. No further details have been released about how the fire may have started.

The tragedy has also deeply impacted the local school community. Officials from the MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District announced that support resources, including teachers, staff members, clergy, and pastoral care, will be made available to students and families affected by the loss. Counselors are expected to remain at the school in the coming days to help students process the grief and trauma.

Sheriff Van Voorst urged the community to lean on one another, asking for continued prayers for the victims and their families. “Please stop and pray with us for everyone affected by this. Please continue to pray in the upcoming weeks,” he said.

As the small rural community grapples with the weight of this heartbreaking loss, neighbors, classmates, and local leaders are working to provide strength and comfort. For many, the deaths of three young people at the beginning of their lives is a reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, leaving entire families and communities changed forever.

The investigation into the cause of the fire continues, but for now, the focus remains on honoring the memories of the teens and offering support to those left behind.