Showcase

Carbondale police identify SIU student killed in house fire

Authorities continue to investigate a fatal structure fire that killed an SIU student Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, in the 700 block of West Freeman Street in Carbondale. (Bill Lukitsch | @lukitsbill)

By Daily Egyptian staff
November 28, 2016

City police on Monday afternoon identified the SIU student killed in a house fire early Wednesday as a 20-year-old from Aurora.

Although forensic verification is pending, the victim has been identified as Alexander Kierstead. He was a junior in political science, according to the university’s directory.

Kierstead was found dead after a structure fire destroyed a home Wednesday in southwest Carbondale, authorities said.

SIU Leadership and Service Week 2024. Recognizing National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Events from November 15th through 21st.

At 4:50 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire in the 700 block of West Freeman Street. The home was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

Police said Kierstead lived in the building and was the only resident home during the fire.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, authorities said. There is nothing to suggest foul play, police said.

The Daily Egyptian’s campus desk can be reached at 618-536-3397 or [email protected].

To stay up to date with all your SIU news, follow the Daily Egyptian on Facebook and Twitter.