Authorities have confirmed the death of 12-year-old Autumn Paulson, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a house fire last week in North Mankato, Minnesota.
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The blaze broke out early Friday morning at a residence on Lyndale Avenue. Fire crews responded around 5:30 a.m. to find heavy flames and smoke engulfing the home’s second story. Four individuals were safely evacuated without injury, but Autumn and her mother, Stefanie Scharbach, 41, were critically affected. Scharbach was treated for smoke inhalation and later released from the hospital.
Autumn, a student at Dakota Meadows Middle School, passed away Monday. The district has made grief counselors, psychologists, and social workers available to support classmates and staff mourning her loss.
North Mankato Fire Chief James Zwaschka confirmed that one family dog died in the fire, while another remains unaccounted for.
Investigators believe the fire was likely accidental, though the official cause remains under review by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, alongside local fire and police officials.