The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has identified the four people who died in a house fire in Cordova around 7:30 last Saturday morning.
Investigators say 39 year old Crystal Vickrey, 19 year old Brittney Newsome, 12 year old Kaden Newsome and 20 year old Tiara Schwab all died in the fire. Investigators have determined the cause of the at 250 Helen Street was accidental as a result of an electrical failure of an extension cord.
All four died of smoke inhalation according to the state fire marshal. Brittney Newsome was a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The university released a statement Tuesday morning.
“The UNK family is sad at the news of the loss of Brittney, who was a member of the Pride of the Plains Marching Band. She will be missed. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. We share your grief for Brittney. She will be remembered with fondness and pride for her accomplishments here.”
Newsome was a freshman majoring in business and accounting. She was a 2018 graduate of Friend High School. Cordova is located about 23 miles southeast of York.