10th Person Dies After Spending 3 Days in Hospital Following Fire at Assisted Living Facility

10th person dies following fire at Massachusetts Assisted Living Facility

A tragic fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility has claimed its 10th victim, with news that 66-year-old Brenda Cropper passed away on July 16. Cropper had been in critical condition for three days following the blaze at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, which had already resulted in the deaths of nine others.

Details of the devastating incident were shared by Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn on Thursday, July 17. Cropper’s death was confirmed by various news outlets, including CBS affiliate WBZ-TV, MassLive, and NPR station WBUR. The initial fire broke out on Sunday, July 13, with emergency services responding to the scene on Oliver Street around 9:40 p.m. local time.

Among the victims identified were Rui Albernaz, Ronald Codega, Margaret Duddy, Robert King, Kim Mackin, Richard Rochon, Eleanor Willett, and Joseph Wilansky. The community has been left reeling from the loss, with Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon expressing deep sorrow for the families affected by the tragedy.

Concerns regarding the safety and conditions at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility have also emerged. Violations were reportedly found during inspections in 2023 and 2024, including failures to report emergency situations promptly and issues with medication storage. Despite submitting corrective plans, questions have been raised over the facility’s compliance and management.

Debbie Johnson, a certified nursing assistant at the Gabriel House, spoke out about the poor conditions within the facility, citing infestations of mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs. Reports of a broken elevator and residents in need of assistance paint a troubling picture of neglect and mismanagement.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan has voiced frustrations over the facility owner’s lack of cooperation in addressing the aftermath of the fire. With concerns over resident welfare at the forefront, authorities are urging for accountability and transparency from the facility’s management in the wake of this tragedy.

The community has come together to mourn the lives lost in this heartbreaking event, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents in the future. The impact of this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and oversight within care facilities, ensuring the well-being and protection of vulnerable residents.

As the families of the victims grieve their loss, support and solidarity from the wider community are essential in navigating the aftermath of this profound tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, with a focus on accountability and justice for those affected by this devastating event.