SLIDELL, La. (BRPROUD) — Multiple agencies are investigating a deadly fire that took place overnight in the Eden Isles Subdivision.
Firefighters arrived on the scene of a residential structure fire on Constellation Drive, around 1:30 a.m.
Rescue crews were told a family was inside the home, and a search ensued. Firefighters pulled four people from the home. One was declared dead on the scene, and three were transferred to a local hospital where they later died.
A fifth family member was not home at the time of the fire.
St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston identified the victims as 33-year-old Phoenix Lousteau; her husband, 40-year-old Stephen Lousteau; and their daughters, 5-year-old Payton Lousteau and 10-year-old Mackenzie Lousteau.
Friends of Phoenix and Stephen Lousteau say they were caring and dependable and that their daughters, Mackenzie and Payton, were spunky and wise beyond their years.
“They loved us, and they cherished us, and they cared about us as people,” Claire Kruebbe said as she fought back tears. “Those girls… Those girls were the best. You watched a TikTok, and Little P knew every dance to the TikToks.”
The friends say the couple was selfless and that each family member has left their own impact.
“They did so much for so many people, and they didn’t ask for anything in return,” said Justine Sundeen.
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA. 
St. Tammany Fire District #1 responded to the report of a residential structure fire located at 214 Constellation Dr., in Slidell, LA.
Officials are now urging people to make sure their own homes are safe.
“This is an unprecedented tragedy that affects our entire community,” Coroner Dr. Charles Preston said. “Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, firefighters report the home had no working smoke detectors. I cannot adequately emphasize the importance of smoke detectors and general fire safety, particularly during winter months.”
According to the Dr. Preston, initial findings indicate the victims died of smoke inhalation; however, an official cause of death will be determined after autopsies are complete.
St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1 Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann said, “Check your smoke detectors. Because we had one smoke detector present, but not working. I can’t say it enough: smoke detectors save lives.”
A full report will be released in the coming days.
