Tavern operator died trying to save friends
Wisconsin NewsThe owner of a burned-out tavern in Blanchardville died while trying to save three others who were killed.
BLANCHARDVILLE -- The owner of a burned-out tavern in Blanchardville died while trying to save three others who were killed.
Authorities said Daniel Hardekopf, 45, was found in a stairwell on the lower level of the three-story building and died later at a Monroe hospital.
His girlfriend Jelayne Hughes, 44, was found on the second floor apartment level, along with two of the couple's mutual friends: Brian Monte, 34, and Cody Olson, 23.
The fire was reported just after 3:20 a.m. Monday in a building that housed the Silver Dollar Saloon, which Hardekopf and Hughes operated. According to Wheeler News service, Monte and Olson were staying in the couple's apartment after a night of poker and watching football.
Duane Hanson, the building's insurer and a long-time friend, said Hardekopf leased the bar for a year and a half, and he was in the process of buying the 106-year-old building.
Damage could exceed $300,000.
The fire was thought to have started on the second floor, but the cause has not been determined. Federal and state agents are helping local authorities investigate.
More from around the web
RSS Feeds