The Tragic Truth Behind The Palisade Fire: 5 Definitive Facts On The Deadly Iowa Avenue Arson Case

The devastating fire that rocked the small community of Palisade, Colorado, on the Western Slope remains one of the most tragic events in Mesa County's recent history. Nearly two years after the initial shock, as of December 25, 2025, the final, harrowing details of the explosion and subsequent arson investigation provide a conclusive, yet heartbreaking, end to the criminal case. This comprehensive update cuts through the rumors to deliver the definitive facts about the deadly incident that destroyed an apartment complex and claimed a young life. This article provides a deep dive into the April 2024 tragedy at 920 Iowa Avenue, confirming the victims, the perpetrator, and the official findings of the multi-agency investigation. The sheer force of the explosion and the intentional nature of the blaze left the community of Palisade reeling, prompting an extensive response from the Palisade Fire Department and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

The Definitive Profile of the Palisade Arson Tragedy

The incident on April 5, 2024, was not a typical residential fire; it was a pre-meditated act of criminal homicide that began with a massive explosion. The investigation, spearheaded by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, the Palisade Police Department, and the Palisade Fire Department, quickly shifted from disaster response to a complex arson and homicide case.

Victim Profile: Kloey Weythman

• Name: Kloey Lynn Weythman
• Age: 18 years old
• Location: Resident of the 8-plex apartment complex at 920 Iowa Avenue, Palisade, CO.
• Circumstance of Death: Died as a result of the explosion and subsequent fire, which was ruled an intentional act of arson.
• Community Impact: A young woman whose life was tragically cut short, leaving the Palisade community in mourning.

Suspect Profile: Andrew Alderman

• Name: Andrew Alderman
• Age: 29 years old
• Location: Resident of an apartment below the victim at 920 Iowa Avenue.
• Case Status: Identified as the sole suspect responsible for setting the fire and causing the explosion.
• Final Disposition: Andrew Alderman was found deceased shortly after the incident, effectively closing the criminal homicide case without an arrest or trial.

Fact 1: The Fire Was Ruled Arson and Criminal Homicide

The initial report on Friday, April 5, 2024, at approximately 7:15 a.m., described a major explosion followed by a massive fire at the 900 block of Iowa Avenue. The sheer intensity and speed of the blaze immediately raised suspicions among first responders from the Palisade Fire Department. Within days, the investigation—which included multiple agencies—conclusively determined that the fire was intentionally set. This ruling transformed the disaster from a tragic accident into a case of criminal homicide and arson. Evidence suggested the explosion was caused by intentional manipulation of utilities, a deliberate act to cause maximum destruction. The complexity of the scene required specialized resources, including investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Fact 2: The Fire Resulted in the Death of 18-Year-Old Kloey Weythman

The most devastating consequence of the intentional fire was the death of Kloey Weythman, an 18-year-old resident of the apartment complex. Her death sent a shockwave through the tight-knit community of Palisade. The apartment building, which was an 8-plex (sometimes reported as a 6-plex), was a complete and total loss, displacing multiple families and individuals. The Mesa County Sheriff's Office and local organizations quickly mobilized to support the fire victims, setting up emergency relief funds to help those who lost everything in the intentional blaze. The GoFundMe campaigns and community drives highlighted the town’s resilience in the face of such a horrific act of violence.

Fact 3: The Suspect, Andrew Alderman, Was Found Deceased

The investigation into the arson and homicide quickly identified 29-year-old Andrew Alderman as the primary and sole suspect. Alderman, who lived in an apartment unit below the victim, was tracked by authorities following the incident. A search for the suspect concluded when he was found deceased shortly after the fire. This development provided a definitive conclusion to the criminal investigation, preventing a lengthy and painful court case for the victim's family and the surviving tenants. The official ruling stated that the case was a criminal homicide, and with the death of the perpetrator, the investigation was closed by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and the Palisade Police Department. The motive for the intentional act was never fully disclosed to the public, though it was part of the final investigative report.

Fact 4: The Iowa Avenue Complex Was a Total Loss, Displacing Multiple Families

The explosion at 920 Iowa Avenue was catastrophic, resulting in a devastating structural failure before the fire even took hold. The apartment complex was rendered a total loss, leaving several families and residents suddenly homeless. The immediate aftermath saw a massive outpouring of support, demonstrating the strong community spirit of Palisade. Local churches, the Palisade Lions Club, and various non-profit organizations coordinated efforts to provide temporary housing, clothing, and financial assistance. This focus on fire victim relief was a major community effort in the weeks and months following the tragedy, providing a silver lining of compassion amid the destruction. The incident underscored the devastating impact of structural fires, especially those caused by intentional acts, on housing stability in the Western Slope region.

Fact 5: Ongoing Fire Safety and Wildfire Risk in Mesa County

While the Iowa Avenue tragedy was an isolated incident of arson, it served as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger of fire in Mesa County, Colorado. The region, which includes Palisade, is frequently subject to high wildfire risk, especially during the dry summer and fall months. The Palisade Fire Department and the Grand Junction Fire Department constantly work to educate residents on fire mitigation and fire prevention strategies. Entities like the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control emphasize the importance of creating defensible space, particularly in areas near the Colorado River and the surrounding orchards and vineyards that define the Palisade area. The focus remains on community preparedness, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and public awareness are in place to prevent future catastrophes, whether they are intentional structural fires or natural brush fires and wildfires that threaten the picturesque valley. The lessons learned from the Iowa Avenue incident continue to inform emergency response protocols across the Grand Valley.

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