Moira Ryan, 19, died Saturday, February 11, 2012 as fire swept through her home in the 1500 block of Meinsershagen Road, Foristell. Firefighters were called to the scene at 12:16 p.m. and upon arrival, found the home fully involved. Three of five family members were home at the time: Moira and two brothers, plus a family friend. Moira was disabled and used a wheel chair. Upon being told she was still in the home, New Melle Fire Chief Rick Massey said firefighters gained access to her bedroom through a window and found her in bed, but she could not be resuscitated.
One brother was treated for smoke inhalation and released. The family friend was taken to St. John’s Mercy hospital to be treated for burns. Crews and equipment from New Melle, Wentzville and Wright City Fire Departments assisted in fighting the blaze, which pushed into a brush fire before being completely extinguished. About 30 firefighters were involved with the effort. Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours and brought in a skidloader to remove debris necessary to assist state fire investigators. As of Feb. 15, 2012, a cause for the fire had not been determined.
Moira is survived by her parents, Michael and Patricia Ryan, and six siblings: Patrick, Marika, Theodore, Michael, Martin and Matthew Ryan. Funeral arrangements were handled by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. A visitation was held Wednesday, February 15 at the Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, February 16 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in New Melle with interment in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested for the Children’s Home Society or to the family for final expenses, in care of the Funeral Home at 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385.
An outpouring of community support has occurred and additional efforts to help the family are being coordinated by Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in New Melle. Monetary donations are being accepted and a fund has been established at Peoples Savings Bank in New Melle. Checks should be made payable to the “Ryan Family Benefit” and can be mailed to IHM church at P.O. Box 100, New Melle, MO 63365 or dropped off at Peoples Savings Bank.
