KILLIAN — A family is finding itself reeling after a generator explosion just south of Killian in Livingston Parish, on Sept. 24, destroyed their home, vehicles, and left a son injured and his father dead. Wife and mother Nancy Courtney had already been staying in the hospital for an ongoing illness when the accident occurred.
A family-friend, who asked not to be named, told UWK that Cleve (father) and Jason (son) Courtney were attempting to winterize their family’s generator when the explosion happened. In the process, both father and son were knocked away from the generator. The house and vehicle were destroyed in the resulting fire.
Jason was transported to the Baton Rouge General for his injuries, but was released later the same day. He ended up going to stay overnight at the Hammond North Oaks Hospital to visit his mother.
Nancy and Cleve have been together since they were in their teens, the family-friend said. Together, they have three adult children: two daughters and their son Jason. Nancy recently told the friend about their anniversary trip to Biloxi.
The couple recently bought a truck, which was lost in the fire. Nancy’s purse was in the truck because Cleve had brought it back home when she went into the hospital.
She said the family has encountered so many hardships recently, including numerous surgeries for Nancy. Plus, Cleve had been fighting cancer prior to his death in the explosion.
“You couldn’t find two better people,” she said. “Nancy is just as sweet as they come. She would give you the shirt off her back.”
Both Nancy and Jason are in need of items and necessities they lost in the fire and Killian explosion. Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe to help with Cleve’s funeral expenses.
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