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Second person dies in Medina apartment explosion

Posted at 10:42 AM, Feb 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-21 10:46:10-05

An apartment fire that killed an 18-year-old man in Medina has now claimed the life of his mother.

Sheila Drake was pronounced dead Monday, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office.

Her husband, Robert Drake, in fair condition, according to a MetroHealth Medical Center spokesperson.

On Feb. 9, emergency crews were called out to Medina Village Apartments at Springbrook Drive at about 3:15 a.m. for a report on an explosion.

Jacob Harley Drake, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said he had special needs and was confined to a wheelchair. 

Both of his parents were badly burned.

The explosion displaced 20 residents.

After the explosion, gas company inspectors found 63 units throughout the complex had small gas leaks.

About 20 contractors were at the scene Monday replacing old gas lines.

The exact cause of the explosion is still being investigated.

RELATED: 18-year-old man in wheelchair killed in Medina apartment fire