A horrific start to the holidays in Blanchardville.
Four people were found dead after an early morning fire broke out at the Silver Dollar Saloon on Main Street. Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley says it was a major effort to contain the blaze, with emergency responders from multiple agencies providing assistance.
Pedley says it’s a horrific tragedy and the worse he’s ever seen during his career.
The dead are 45-year-old Daniel Hardekopf, 44-year-old Jelayne Hughes, 34-year-old Brian Monte, and 23-year-old Cody Olson. Hardekopf and Hughes owned the Silver Dollar.
The fire was discovered around 3:30 Monday morning. The State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating what started the blaze.
AUDIO: Robin Colbert reports (:44)