House fire kills teen, injures brother

PATTERSON - Authorities are investigating a fire that swept through a rural southeast Georgia farmhouse, killing a 17-year-old boy and injuring his younger brother. <br> <br> Robert Rice was found dead by firefighters in his bedroom in the one-story farmhouse that burned to the ground, Pierce County sheriff&#39;s Detective Gary Smith said. <br> <br> Joe Rice, 15, was burned on both hands and arms while trying to rescue his older brother early Friday. Their 16-year-old brother, Michael Rice, mother Gail Rice and stepfather Richard Herrin also attempted to reach Robert but were driven back by the intense flames. <br> <br> ``The family did all they could to save him, but there was nothing they could do,&#39;&#39; Smith said. He said the fire started about 2 a.m. while the family was sleeping. <br> <br> Herrin told investigators he was awakened by smoke coming from the bathroom of Robert&#39;s bedroom, Smith said. The teen&#39;s funeral is Tuesday in Blackshear.