HILLSBORO, Ohio (WKRC) – A young man was one of three people killed during Tuesday’s explosion at an auto shop in Hillsboro.
Cameron Boatman had just celebrated his 19th birthday, according to a GoFundme account set up to benefit his fiancé.
Jimbo’s Auto Repair employee Tim Furbee was also killed in the blast, Highland Lodge #38 announced.
Another victim, David Beaver, was the brother-in-law of the auto shop’s owner and also worked at the shop.
His wife described him as a hard worker and amazing father to a nine year old and six year old.
Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha said the mother of Jimbo’s owner, James “Jimbo” Chambers, was injured in the explosion.
“She works in the office. She was a really nice lady,” said Jason Young, a friend of the owner.
“Loss of words. I mean, it turns my stomach. It’s a nightmare,” said Tory Boldman, who also knows the owner.
The remnants of Jimbo’s remains sealed off by yellow tape Wednesday as the state fire marshal’s office continued its investigation.
The agency declined to discuss possible causes of the explosion and fire.
Small fires continued to reignite at the site as late as Wednesday afternoon.
A Local 12 crew called 911 and within minutes, two firefighters arrived to douse the flames.
The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office is conducting autopsies on all three people killed.
A benefit dinner will be held to benefit Tim Furbee’s family on December 15 from 5 to 8 pm at Lynchburg-Clay High School.