Family identifies teen killed in house explosion
Nov 7, 2024, 7:07 PM | Updated: Nov 20, 2024, 9:32 am
UPDATE: The student killed in the explosion was identified Friday by family as Logan Hansen. Bingham High School announced it would hold a candlelight vigil in his honor Friday night, and asked attendees to wear blue — his favorite color.
View this post on Instagram
KSL TV’s original story as published follows below.
SOUTH JORDAN — A natural gas leak caused the house explosion that killed a Bingham High School student on Wednesday, investigators announced Thursday.
Meanwhile, neighbors are surrounding the boy’s family with support after losing their son and their home.
Utility crews worked late into the evening Thursday around 10500 S. 3200 West, where the home used to stand. Neighbors approached the metal fence before the property, looking out over a dark heap of destruction.
Neighbors of the 15-year-old jumped into action with blue ribbons and blue lights in honor of the boy. Lindsay Chatterton said it was the boy’s favorite color.
“The blue, it’s just neighbors wanting to show support and love for the family,” Chatterton said. “It’s just our way of being able to let them know that we are here for them and love them.”
View this post on Instagram
CJ Mansfield, who lives next door, said it’s been overwhelming to see the damage from the explosion.
While the South Jordan Fire Department has determined a natural gas leak as the cause, the department said Thursday the source is still under investigation as they determine exactly where and how the leak originated.
“Additional investigators will be working at the scene through the weekend and hope to have more information available by early next week,” the statement read.
Mansfield is saddened by what the family is going through.
“A 15-year-old boy, it’s heartbreaking,” he said. “Just tragic.”
Mansfield said his daughter is close in age to the next-door neighbor teen, and they carpooled together to school.
“She’s heartbroken and reaching out to some of their friends,” he explained.
View this post on Instagram
As teens and classmates support one another, Mansfield described how parents are coming together as well.
“I think it’s kind of struck a chord with everybody,” he said.
Neighbors were quick to organize supplies for the family and set up a GoFundMe* fundraiser. People have been reaching out, he said, offering places to stay.
On Thursday night, they lit up the neighborhood in blue.
“I just hope they know that we care,” Mansfield said. “And, you know, everybody’s here to support them in whatever way we possibly can.”
“Unimaginable tragedy”
South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey issued a statement Friday, after the city said it would no longer be taking interviews to respect the family’s wishes to remain out of the media and grieve their loss.
“Our community has experience an unimaginable tragedy …” she said. “Our hearts are broken as we mourn alongside the family, friends, neighbors and all who are grieving during this devastating time.”
Ramsey reiterated the community’s continued offers for help, and requested those interested to visit the *GoFundMe created by neighbors to help support the family. In just 48 hours since the fundraiser was created, the community contributed over $115,000. Of course, the amount the family lost in the catastrophe was much more.
“We are committed to allowing the investigators the time they need to complete their work thoroughly and will keep our community informed as details become available,” Ramsey said. “We are also in close contact with Jordan School District. They will be providing resources and support to students and families impacted by this loss. The well-being of our students and families remains a top priority during this difficult time.”
Likewise, Jordan School District made a statement to KSL TV: “We are saddened by this loss, and our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, and neighbors at this difficult time.”
“Thank you all who have reached out with support and compassion,” Ramsey said. “Its during times like these that the strength and kindness of our community shine through.”
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Contributing: Mary Culbertson, KSL TV
