‘Unimaginable tragedy’: High school male cheerleader killed, 5 others injured after house explosion

RAGLEY, La. (WALA/Gray News) - A 16-year-old male cheerleader is dead and five other people are injured after a house explosion in Louisiana, according to authorities.

The explosion took place just before 10 a.m., in Ragley last weekend.

Officials said the 16-year-old, identified as Deuce Barrere, died as a result of the fire.

Investigators have confirmed seven people were in the home at the time of the explosion. However, only five people were injured, including Deuce’s mother and sister.

The five survivors were hospitalized in various stages of injury. The final survivor, a toddler, is being cared for by relatives.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy for this family and community,” said State Fire Marshal Bryan J. Adams. " This investigation is still very much active, but we have a top-notch team working diligently to get as many answers for this family as possible.”

The State Fire Marshal now saying it was likely a propane leak.

While the explosion remains under investigation, residents told KPLC that it felt like an “earthquake” and caused their electricity to go off and homes to shake.

Following the tragedy, several of Deuce’s classmates from Theodore High School gathered to pay tribute to his life.

Many people said the teen was full of light, spunk, and loved everyone unconditionally.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help support the family’s medical and funeral expenses.