Seven Identified in Fall River Assisted Living Fatal Fire

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — The identities of seven of the nine victims in Sunday night’s fatal fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River have been released.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, a box alarm and multiple 911 calls came in at about 9:39 p.m. on July 13 reporting a building fire at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility located at 261 Oliver Street in Fall River.

What Happened at Gabriel House?

First responders arrived to find the front of the building covered in heavy smoke and flames, with multiple occupants trapped inside and active fire alarms sounding.

Police officers that were first to the scene began pulling residents out of the facility, and Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon told reporters fire crews arrived to find residents hanging out of windows trying to escape the fire.

Who Were the Victims of the Fire?

The D.A.’s Office identified the deceased as Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; Margaret Duddy, 69; Robert King, 78; Kim Mackin, 71; Richard Rochon, 78; and Eleanor Willett, 86. Also perishing in the fire were a 70-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, whose identities were not released yet pending notification of next of kin.

We will update this story if and when their identities are released.

Gabriel House had about 70 residents at the time of the fire. Thirty residents of the facility were transported to local hospitals for treatment, with one resident listed in critical condition, Quinn said. The five firefighters who were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening have all now been discharged.

Investigation: What Authorities Are Saying

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is still ongoing by the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Section assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Fall River Fire and Police Departments, and state troopers assigned to the D.A.’s Office.

However, according to Quinn, the cause of the fire “does not appear to be suspicious at this time.”

“My heart goes out to all of the victims, their families and all of those impacted by this terrible tragedy,” Quinn said. “I would like to commend the first responders for their efforts in bringing many of the residents to safety while being confronted with very difficult circumstances.”

Gabriel House Issues Statement

Dennis Etzkorn, Gabriel Care LLC Manager/Member, released the following statement Monday afternoon:

“I, along with my entire family, am devastated by the tragedy at Gabriel House. Our thoughts are with every one of our residents, their families, our staff, and the brave first responders. I am grateful for the support the city of Fall River has shown to everyone affected by this tragedy. We will continue to cooperate with the authorities and provide them with any information they may need throughout the investigative process regarding the cause and origin of this fire.”