Former Chester resident dies in house fire

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ A former Chester resident has died from extensive burns he received in a house fire in Arkansas on Monday, February 2.

Cory Hargis, 29, died Tuesday at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, where he was being treated for extensive burns.

According to Wes Bryant Investigator for the Benton County Sheriff's Depart-ment, Hargis was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, then was taken by helicopter to Children's Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead in the burn unit. Hargis had suffered burns to 95 percent of his body.

Hargis was found alive Monday morning outside a burning house located at 8810 Country Club Road in Prairie Creek, according to Bryant.

The fire that started in the early morning hours of Monday, February 2, was reported to be started by a large candle. Investigators determined the incident as accidental.

The body of Jessica Michelle Currier was found by firefighters in a bedroom of the burned residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

It was reported that Hargis was staying at the residence that had no power at the time due to the massive winter storm that hit the area.

"I would like to remind people to not use candles as a source of warmth," stated Investigator Wes Bryant. "Just remember to be careful during the storms," he added.

Graveside services were held Saturday, February 7, 2009 in the Evergreen Cemetery, Chester, IL with Rev. Ron Coleman officiating.

According to the family's wishes, Cory was cremated.

Memorials may be made to Family choice.

Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL was in charge of the arrangements.