News : Urbana House fire claims the life of one

In a news release from the Benton County Sheriff's Department, there was a report of a residential fire at 103 Main St. East in Urbana. 

"On January 8th, 2025, at approximately 10:44 PM, the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Urbana Fire Department, and North Benton Ambulance responded to a residential fire at 103 Main Street East in Urbana, Iowa. One male was found deceased inside the residence. The matter remains under investigation at this time."

Friends and family indicate that the victim was Tyler Jacobson of Urbana. There is a gofundme page set up to assist the family in meeting future needs of his daughter. The page reads, "In the evening hours of January 8, 2025 a fire broke out at the residence of Tyler Jacobson of Urbana, Iowa. As tragic as a devastating fire can be, this was all the more horrific as Tyler lost his life.

A young man, who always called Urbana home, he was the father of one. Tyler was the custodial parent of DezaRae and as luck would have it, she was not at home that evening. For an eight-year-old to lose her home and most of her belongings is horrible, but to lose her Daddy; heartbreaking.Friends and community members are rallying around the family with their emotional support. But for the long-term needs for DezaRae, we are hoping for the compassion and aid that can come from a GoFundMe campaign.DezaRae will grow up without her father, but it is the hope that through the generosity of others, she will be able to know that there are people that honored her father's legacy and her future.All donations will be put into an account to meet the needs of this little lady. Her grandfather, John Jacobson and grandmother, Sandy Kunkel will be handling this account to ensure that funds will be there for her when she needs them.Any questions regarding donations can be directed to Tyler's aunt Jerri Ondrashek or Halane Cummings through this site."If you are interested in helping the family, click here to donate. To read Tyler's obituary, click here.