{"id":66700,"date":"2025-07-15T05:12:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T05:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/66700\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T05:12:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T05:12:13","slug":"fall-river-fire-that-killed-9-injured-30-deemed-not-suspicious-victims-identified-boston-25-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/66700\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall River fire that killed 9, injured 30 deemed \u2018not suspicious\u2019; Victims identified \u2013 Boston 25 News"},"content":{"rendered":"

FALL RIVER, Mass. \u2014 Nine people are dead and dozens of others were hospitalized after a fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River<\/a> on Sunday night that officials are calling an \u201cunspeakable tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quin III identified the 9 victims on Monday as 64-year-old Rui Albernaz, 61-year-old Ronald Codega, 69-year-old Margaret Duddy, 78-year-old Robert King, 71-year-old Kim Mackin, 78-year-old Richard Rochon, and 86-year-old Eleanor Willett.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a 70-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man were also pronounced dead, though their identities are not being released until next of kin is notified.<\/p>\n

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Family of 78-year-old vet Richard Rochon grieving after fire at Gabriel House in Fall River. Officials identify some of other lives lost as 64-year-old Rui Albernaz, 61-year-old Ronald Codega, 69-year-old Margaret Duddy, 78-year-old Robert King & 71-year-old Kim Mackin #Boston25<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FOJ0aPRakh<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) July 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Firefighters responding to the Gabriel House on Oliver Street around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday found heavy fire at the main entrance of the building, according to the Fall River Fire Department.<\/p>\n

Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon said the scene was tricky and chaotic when crews first arrived on the scene because several residents were seen hanging out of windows and doorways, waiting to be rescued. <\/p>\n

During a Monday morning news conference, Bacon confirmed that nine people died and more than 30 people were taken to the hospital, including one with critical injuries.<\/p>\n

Officials say although the investigation remains ongoing, the cause does not appear to be suspicious.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had an unspeakable tragedy here in Fall River last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. I\u2019m prepared to tell you that nine people lost their lives in this building last night,\u201d a choked-up Bacon said. \u201cWe have one in critical condition, but we had over 30 transported.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2018Unspeakable tragedy’: Fall River fire chief overcome with emotion as he gives update on deadly fire <\/p>\n

The fire at Gabriel House prompted a massive response, with every firefighter on duty in the city attending, along with 30 off-duty firefighters who were recalled. <\/p>\n

Bacon credited the first responders with saving the lives of many other residents over ladders.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had at least a dozen people rescued over ladders. The police department, fire department, and EMS were able to enact dozens of rescues to save multiple lives,\u201d Bacon said. \u201cI applaud their efforts…We\u2019re here to save lives, and any time that any life is lost, a single life is lost, it\u2019s a tragedy in our minds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Five firefighters sustained mostly minor injuries during the operation, according to Bacon. They are all expected to be OK.<\/p>\n

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan called the fire \u201chorrible\u201d and praised first responders for their strong work.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpectacular work trying to save lives and get this place under control,\u201d Coogan said. \u201cIt was a very chaotic scene, and these guys did a spectacular job in the face of tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey called for the community of Fall River to come together to support those impacted by the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fire at Gabriel House in Fall River is a tragedy. My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones this morning. I\u2019m grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives,\u201d Healey said in a statement. \u201cWe are all praying for those who lost loved ones and for the full recovery of those who were injured. I\u2019ve expressed my condolences to Mayor Coogan and offered the full assistance of the state. A full investigation is already underway. I know the people of Fall River are strong and resilient, and now is the time for us to all come together to support one another through this terrible tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Massachusetts Fatal Fire Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, center, and Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan, left, speak with a member of law enforcement, right, near the Gabriel House assisted living facility, Monday, July 14, 2025, following a fire that started late Sunday, in Fall River, Mass. (AP Photo\/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne\/AP)<\/p>\n

A family reunification center was established at St. Anne\u2019s Hospital to assist families in reuniting with their loved ones. Families were advised to enter through the emergency room for assistance. <\/p>\n

There were about 70 residents inside the building. <\/p>\n

The fire damage was contained to one wing in the building, but there is smoke damage throughout the facility, according to Bacon. <\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke is the most dangerous part of any fire,\u201d Bacon said. \u201cSmoke kills more people than fire does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bacon said it wasn\u2019t immediately clear if the building\u2019s smoke detectors were working when the fire broke out.<\/p>\n

The Red Cross is assisting other residents who were displaced with shelter.<\/p>\n

Fire investigators from the Fall River Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal\u2019s Office are working to determine the cause of the fire.<\/p>\n

Bacon said it will be a long investigation because several people and witnesses need to be interviewed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart goes out to all of the victims, their families and all of those impacted by this terrible tragedy. 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,\u201d District Attorney Tom Quinn said.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Massachusetts Fatal Fire A unidentified man, right, appears emotional while embracing a resident of the Gabriel House assisted living facility, left, in Fall River, Mass., outside a temporary shelter, Monday, July 14, 2025, in Fall River, following a fire at the Gabriel House that started late Sunday and resulted in multiple fatalities. (AP Photo\/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne\/AP)<\/p>\n

Boston 25 News obtained the results of a compliance review of the Gabriel House.<\/p>\n

The most recent one was performed \u201caging and independence\u201d back in 2023, and found several areas of non-compliance.<\/p>\n

The areas included inconsistent documentation with its service plan development, missing or incomplete components of the quality assurance and performance plans, and missing documentation of employee health screening requirements.<\/p>\n

The full report can be viewed below:<\/p>\n

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. <\/p>\n

Download the <\/b>FREE Boston 25 News app<\/b><\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/b><\/p>\n

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a92025 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n