Crime & Safety

New Melle Teen Found Dead in House Fire was a Wentzville School District Student

Moira Ryan, 19, was found dead in her New Melle home Saturday after a fire claimed the house.

The 19-year-old girl that was found dead in a New Melle home after it had caught fire was a student within the Wentzville School District, school officials confirmed Monday.

Matt Deichmann, director of school and community relations for the district, said Moira Ryan was a student, but couldn't say which school she attended as per federal law.

New Melle that destoyed Ryan's home on the 1500 block of Meinershagen Road on Saturday. Four more people were inside the home at the time but escaped without serious injury.

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The cause of the fire is still ongoing.

Ryan, according to Fox 2 News, was adopted by her family at 6 weeks old after being the victim of severe child abuse as an infant. 

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No school memorial has been planned at this time, Deichmann said. 

"In situations like this, our counselors are always on hand to talk to any students or staff members that might be struggling with the news," he said.

Ryan's family will hold her wake service on Wednesday at  from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be given to Children's Home Society or to family for final expenses. Checks can be made out to Pitman Funeral Home, 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385.


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