A former Missouri Teacher of the Year and her four children tragically lost their lives in a house fire that authorities are currently investigating due to suspicious circumstances. Bernadine “Birdie” Pruessner, a community college professor, and her children, Millie Spader, 2, Jackson Spader, 5, and 9-year-old twins Ellie and Ivy Pruessner, were found deceased in their Ferguson home following a fire that broke out around 4:30 a.m. on Monday. The fire also claimed the lives of three family dogs, while several rabbits, chickens, and cats managed to survive.
Jerry McClure, a neighbor, was one of the first to notice the fire and immediately dialed 911. He attempted to alert the family by kicking the front door, but the smoke was too thick and he was unable to rouse them. The St. Louis County police have deemed the fire suspicious due to evidence found at the scene, although they have not disclosed the nature of this evidence.
The St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson detectives are assisting in the investigation. A search warrant has also been obtained for the family’s van as part of the ongoing investigation. Pruessner’s father, Cordell Beache, who had spent the previous night with his daughter and grandchildren, is devastated by the loss.
Jamie Young, another neighbor, shared his emotional encounter with the grieving father and grandfather. Young expressed his deep sympathy for Beache and the entire family, stating that he could only offer prayers for them during this difficult time.
Pruessner was an assistant professor in the child development department at Lewis & Clark Community College and was nearing the completion of her doctorate in early childhood education. Her colleague, Nic Jones, praised her innovative approach to teaching and her passion for providing opportunities to students who might not otherwise have the chance to study at the college.
In 2013, Pruessner was honored with the Missouri Teacher of the Year Award from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. She was also a published author of an education book titled “Making it Montessori.” The Parkway School District confirmed that Ellie and Ivy were fourth-graders at Mason Ridge Elementary School.
The Ferguson Animal Coalition reported that about 14 rabbits, three chickens, and two cats survived the fire. The animals were located in a separate part of the property, away from the flames. Dara Ashby, a member of the group, expressed relief that she could assist in caring for the surviving animals, which she knew were dearly loved by their owner.