The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

August 31, 2010

Henderson fire still under investigation

Teen had just returned home from baby sitting

HENDERSON — Investigation continues into the cause of a Sunday fire in Henderson that killed 17-year-old Amee Thiel.

A fire marshal’s report and autopsy results are pending in connection with the 6 a.m. fire in a home she shared with her father Larry Thiel, who was camping in northern Minnesota at the time.

Her mother Marie Drake of Mankato said Amee had been babysitting in Belle Plaine until 4 a.m. Sunday.

The fire was reported by a neighbor who smelled smoke. Firefighters arrived to find a first-floor bedroom in flames. Amee was found in the basement, apparently asphyxiated from the high volume of smoke in the home.

She and her father moved to Henderson in March. Amee had previously been living with her mother.

 Drake said she and Thiel divorced 15 years ago but remain on good terms.

Amee had attended Tracy High School before enrolling in online courses with the intent of graduating early, her mother said.

“She wanted to start college. She wanted to be an OBGYN (nurse). That was her dream,’’ said Drake, who also is studying to become a nurse.

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