Plum House Explosion: What we’ve learned about the 6 victims, the legacies left behind

PLUM, Pa. — Six people were killed in the house explosion in Plum on Saturday.

Casey Clontz, 38, Keegan Clontz, 12, Heather Oravitz, 51, Kevin Sebunia, 55, and Michael Thomas, 57, all died Saturday.

Wednesday, Paul Oravitz, 56, died in the hospital from his injuries, Allegheny County officials confirm.

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The Medical Examiner is in the process of releasing the remains to the families for funerals and burial.

The cause and manner of the victims’ deaths are still pending, and there is no time frame for when those determinations will be made.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this horrible tragedy. The loss and grief felt by all of us is overwhelming,” said Plum Borough Council President Mike Doyle. “Thank you to everybody in the community and surrounding area for everything you’ve done for us during this tragedy. Our borough will continue to be here as a resource for this community. Whatever our residents need — whether it be services, grief counseling, food, water or anything else — will provide. Please reach out to us for any assistance that may be needed.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up for victims: Victims of Plum Home Explosion.

Keegan Clontz, 12

Keegan Clontz, 12, was the youngest person killed in the explosion. He was a student in the Plum School District and loved to play football.

Casey Clontz, 38

Casey Clontz, 38, was Keegan’s father. Casey worked for Peoples Gas.

“Casey was the life of the party, always willing to help. Keegan always followed Casey around. He idolized his dad,” said Brock Harrison, a family friend.

Harrison said the Clontz’ are an amazing family. He plans to hold a fundraiser on Monday night at Carl’s Tavern in their honor.

“Because they would do it for us, that’s the kind of family they are, they are amazing so to just give anything back,” said Harrison.

A GoFundMe has been made to benefit the Clontz family.

Father and son Several sources tell Channel 11 Casey and Keegan Clontz are among the five who died after a house on Rustic Ridge exploded Saturday morning. (NBC)

Kevin Sebunia, 55

Kevin Sebunia, 55, lived nearby the house that exploded.

His daughter, Emily, said, “Kevin Sebunia, my father, truly had a heart of gold. He was the most selfless man and offered a helping hand to everyone he ever met. He never lived a day without joy and his family always took priority over everything else in his life. He will be forever missed and forever loved by all.”

Donations for Kevin Sebunias’ family can be made to the S&T Bank along Saltsburg Road.

Michael Thomas, 57

Michael Thomas, 57, was the Plum Borough manager. He lived one home over, but he was next door, inside the home that exploded, at the time.

His wife, who is a teacher at Butler Area School District, daughter and their dog were in their home.

His wife was able to escape through a window and his daughter was able to run out with the dog. Both were rushed to the hospital, but they’re now physically OK.

Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel said Michael was a “great guy.”

Heather Oravitz, 51

Heather Oravitz, 51, lived in the house that exploded.

Heather was the community development director for Plum Borough.

A close friend said Heather was a hockey mom, very sweet, outgoing and committed to her family. A GoFundMe has been created for the family.

Mayor Harry Schlegel told 11 News that Heather was a sports fanatic.

“Heather was a mother and a sports fanatic. Don’t play her in basketball and certainly don’t play her in pickleball,” Schlegel said.

Paul Oravitz, 56

Paul Oravitz, 56, died in the hospital Wednesday afternoon following the explosion. He lived in the home with his wife, Heather, who was killed.

Paul Oravitz was the treasurer for the Plum Area Youth Soccer Club. He’d known President Fred Lucas for more than 20 years.

“Irreplaceable,” Lucas called Paul. “He meant everything to me. He was one of my best friends.”

According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, Paul Oravitz died Wednesday. He’d been in critical condition since Saturday’s explosion.

“They cared about the community and everybody in it, including the kids, including the people. Yeah, they cared about us big time. Big time,” Lucas said when speaking of his friend Paul and Paul’s wife Heather. She also died in the explosion.

“They set the template for how you should live your life. If the rest of us pick up the slack and follow the example, that’s a legacy that’ll never go away,” Lucas said.

The Oravitzes leave behind a son and daughter.