BOSTON — Three of the people killed and missing after the fire at an Oakland warehouse where living space was illegally being rented out have ties to Massachusetts.
Peter Wadsworth, originally from Cohasset, lived in the collecting known as the Ghost Ship before the fire, he is still formally among the missing.
"I was pulling him out, the flames were too much. There was too much smoke and I had to let him go,” Wadsworth’s roommate Bob Mule said.
Wadsworth, 38, made plaster castings of sculptures, and was known by friends for his love of abstract art and his support for other artists.
At the time of the fire, a late night dance party was also underway at the warehouse.
Amanda Allen, 34, a native of Chelmsford who had moved across the country seven years ago, was at that party and had a passion for music
"Amanda never stopped dancing. She would support every local musician she could wherever she could. She was a true creative spirit and a light in so many lives, fiercely rebellious and true to herself,” a friend said.
Allen had posted a photo of the DJ online during the event.
“She was probably front row, she posted a picture just moments before, on Instagram and Facebook,” high school friend Becky Rowlands said.
A third person missing in the fire was a 2011 graduate of Mass College of Art who, according to Rolling Stone, was performing at the event when the fire started. Family members identify him as Micah Danemayer, and say he grew up in Somerville.
Friends and family are hoping for the best, while preparing for the worst as more victims are identified.
“I hope they know how much Amanda is loved. She is so loved. I can imagine what they must be feeling,” Rowlands said. "God Amanda, come back to us."
Statement from Amanda Allen's family:
Our whole family is obviously devastated and shook up right now - this has all been very difficult for us to process.
Amanda is an incredible, beautiful person, daughter, sister, and friend. My brothers and I have always admired our sister and look up to her as the rock of our siblings, and as adults we've become best friends. She is a passionate, artistic, caring soul with an incredible sense of humor and positivity. She loves music and photography and is very involved in both of those communities in San Francisco.
The overwhelming outpouring of support from our family, friends, and community has been amazing, and we thank everyone sincerely for that. She is loved by so many in so many different circles, and it means so much to hear from them.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the other families dealing with this as well. We're here with you.
We ask that the public and the media please continue to respect our privacy as we work through this as a family.
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