SARASOTA, FL – On Thursday, deputies received multiple 911 calls around 5:45 p.m., in the 1100 block of Iowa Street, for the report of two homes on fire. Witnesses reported seeing a young female enter one of the homes and although bystanders tried to render aid, the female never exited the home.
According to witnesses, the child may have been attempting to save her dogs from the fire. Tragically, the child has been identified as 11-year-old Rilee Beisler, of Sarasota.
“Our thoughts are with Rilee’s family today. The fire investigation is being led by the State Fire Marshal while detectives continue the death investigation in partnership with the Medical Examiner’s Office,” the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department said. “At this time, the incident does not seem criminal in nature and Rilee is believed to have died due to smoke inhalation. The investigation is active and ongoing.”