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Burn victim remains critical in Portland By JILL BRISKEY Struck by a triple tragedy, the family of burn victim Kelly Leffler has been aided by something completely unexpected � simple human kindness. "There�s been such an outpouring of empathy, love, compassion and prayer," said Central Point resident Jim Leffler, Kelly�s father. "It really restores your faith in your fellow man." Kelly Leffler, 23, remains unconscious and in critical condition at Emanuel Burn Center in Portland. Leffler was burned on over 41 percent of her body during a March 28 blaze that destroyed her singlewide mobile home in Central Point. Her 6-month-old son, Tilano, who was sleeping in a rear bedroom at the time, died in the fire. Investigators from the Jackson County Sheriff�s Department have determined that Leffler�s 3-year-old son ignited the fire. "We�ve been hit from all sides on this," Jim Leffler said, adding that the young boy is being cared for by family members. Leffler said his 3-year-old grandson has suffered from nightmares and mood swings since the accident. He believes the child will require years of counseling in order to heal. "He�s been very distraught," Leffler said, adding that the toddler began therapy last week. "I think he figured out what happened. He thought that his mommy was dead. He thought that his brother was dead." Officials from the state fire marshal�s office, Fire District 3 and state police have concluded their investigation into the fire, which broke out inside Kelly Leffler�s home on 5715 Gebhard Road around 5 p.m. Neighbors and family members were able to drag Leffler out of the home before crews arrived, but the intense heat and smoke prevented them from finding Tilano. Investigators believe the 3-year-old set the fire in the living room of the mobile home using a lighter. His mother may have been sleeping at the time. The sheriff�s department has closed its investigation as well, according to Sgt. Terry Larsen. "There�s no developments in the case," Larsen said. "Due to his age, we�re not going to remove (the child) from the family or take any action." Kelly Leffler was described by neighbors as a homemaker, caring mother and outgoing friend who lived alone with her two children. Her father said that every day, her chances of recovering improve, adding that a specialist told him Kelly�s lungs are starting to heal. "He was really impressed with her progress," Leffler said, adding that he expects his daughter will be kept unconscious for at least two weeks. Rehabilitation will take years, he added. A fund has been set up at all local branches of Western Bank in Kelly Leffler�s name. In addition to paying for medical bills and anticipated surgeries, the money will be used to help her replace her home and possessions. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.