‘Everything went up in flames’: Survivor of Kansas explosion that killed family recounts incident
Christian Stimpert is home recovering after suffering extensive burns in an explosion and fire that killed a family of three Saturday in southwest Kansas.
The 26-year-old was remodeling a building in his hometown of Bucklin to house his wife’s salon. His friend, Jerry Isakson, was helping him. Stimpert said Isakson had brought along his girlfriend, Robin Hamilton, and their 19-month-old daughter, Stormi.
He and Isakson had applied glue across the floor before putting flooring down.
“We had the glue across the whole floor and I think the fumes built up,” Stimpert said. “What I think happened was it caught a pilot light on the flame and it caused a little explosion.
“Everything went up in flames ... I went to the door to open it, but we locked it. The window blew out and saw I was able to jump out the window.”
He crawled out away from the fire and flagged down a driver to call 911.
The Ford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the explosion at the building in the 100 block of West Center Street in Bucklin shortly before 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire was an accident and no foul play suspected. They have not released the official cause.
Isakson, Hamilton and their daughter died in the incident. The Ford County Sheriff’s Office spelled Hamilton’s name Robyn, Her name is spelled Robin on Facebook and that’s how friends spelled it.
Stimpert was taken to St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City and then airlifted to Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Burn Center to treat his burns. He went home to Bucklin on Tuesday, he said.
A photo on a GoFundMe to help with medical costs shows the skin on Stimpert’s hands burned off.
“You don’t really realize it happened,” Stimpert said. “I’m here just in shock.”
‘The best people in the world’
Stimpert met Isakson at a Christmas party about six or seven years ago and quickly became close with the family.
He is still trying to process the loss.
“I mean it’s hard putting it into words. ... You’re going to make me start tearing up,” Stimpert said. “It’s just [they’re] the best people in the world. There’s no words for it.”
Relatives of those who died could not be reached for comment or decided not to be interviewed, but obituaries provided some information.
Hamilton was a stay at home mom who also worked in administration at McDonald’s, according to her obituary. She enjoyed gardening, plants, making Shutterfly books, baking for friends and camping with her family and friends.
“She was a good mom, she loved her little family and she made sure to watch over her brother,” the obituary said.
The couple’s daughter, Stormi Rose Isakson, liked to watch Blue’s Clues, make messes, eat popsicles and take the dogs on a walk.
“she loved looking at all the natural sights and flowers, she always looked for the moon and pointed it out, she also loved kitty cat, would point and run to the nearest one,” an obituary read.
Isakson worked at Diamond Roofing in Dodge City where colleagues remembered his work ethic.
“He was a great guy and loyal, hardworking Diamond Roofing employee,” a friend said in Facebook post. “May he and his wife and child rest in peace.”
Another friend added: “Jerry Isakson, one of the smartest and hardest working guys that I have known. You will be missed.”
Friends of Robin also posted on Facebook.
“A beautiful family gone way too soon,” one friend said in a Facebook that included photos of her and Robin cheerleading. “Rest in peace Robin ... The world is going to miss your infectious laugh & sweet heart.”
Another friend said: “Robin had the biggest heart and I cherished our friendship. Little Stormi’s smile was priceless. Such a beautiful family.”
Another friend said in a Facebook post that included photos over the years: “I keep looking back. I’ll miss you forever I love you all so much! I just wanted to share a few of the thousands of memories we made. I’ll cherish these forever and always wish we could’ve made more. Robin, Jerry and sweet baby Stormi I know you’re at peace and together forever.”
A memorial fund has been established for the family at First State Bank at 120 W. Mill St., Plainville, KS, PO Box 160. Checks can be written to the Isakson and Hamilton family memorial fund.
A memorial gathering service will be held for Jerry, Robin and Stormi at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Senior Center, 108 South Jefferson in Plainville, Kansas, an online obituary said.
