FALL RIVER, Mass. — Dennis Etzkorn, the owner of the Fall River assisted living facility where 10 residents lost their lives in a devastating fire, said in a statement Friday that he will not be speaking publicly as he remains focused on helping those affected by the tragedy.
Etzkorn said that the Garbiel House is working on returning possessions to displaced residents and determining a method to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future.
“The last two weeks have been the most difficult I’ve ever known, not because of whatever I have experienced, but rather, because of the knowledge that ten families who were part of the Gabriel House community have suffered unimaginable pain and the ultimate loss. We are heartbroken for them. I am cognizant of numerous media requests for interviews, but this is not a time to talk about myself. My sole concerns, and only responsibilities continue to be helping authorities determine all the facts and circumstances of this tragedy, as well as establishing a system to help these families recover their loved ones’ possessions. We anticipate that the return of personal possessions to family members will be completed by the end of next week. All that matters right now is getting to the bottom of why this happened and helping our residents’ loved ones in this darkest of times. Those dual tasks will remain my only priorities to the exclusion of all else.
— Dennis Etzkorn, owner of Gabriel House
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quin III has identified the victims of the fire as 70-year-old Halina Lawler, 64-year-old Rui Albernaz, 61-year-old Ronald Codega, 66-year-old Brenda Cropper, 69-year-old Margaret Duddy, 78-year-old Robert King, 71-year-old Kim Mackin, 78-year-old Richard Rochon,77-year-old Joseph Wilansky and 86-year-old Eleanor Willett.
The 100-unit assisted-living facility opened in 1999. Some photos on its Facebook page show neat rooms but older-looking carpeting and furniture.
Investigators on Tuesday revealed new evidence linked to a raging fire that tore through an assisted-living facility in Fall River earlier this month,killing 10 people and leaving dozens of others hospitalized.
Because investigators haven’t narrowed down multiple factors pointing to a single cause, the fire is being classified as “undetermined,” with two possible ignition causes, both of which were “clearly accidental,” according to Davin. Investigators also identified an oxygen concentrator and numerous smoking materials in the room, according to Davin.
Davin said investigators also believe that medical oxygen “played a significant role” in the rapid spread of the fire and the ensuing tragedy.
On Monday, a survivor of the fire filed a lawsuit against the owner of Gabriel House, saying the facility did not have emergency procedures in place when the fire happened.
Inspection reports released last week by the city’s Bureau of Fire Investigation identified no problems at Gabriel House going back to 2019. The reports cover things like sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, exit doors, and general housekeeping.
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In the wake of the fire, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has since announced a new safety initiative that began on Monday.
It requires all 273 assisted living facilities in the Commonwealth to send letters to residents and families outlining safety protocols and evacuation plans. There’s also a new safety assessment survey these facilities must complete, as well as specify their disaster and emergency plans.
Mayor Paul Coogan and IAFF General President Edward Kelly said in the days after the fire that staffing levels at the Fall River Fire Department will increase immediately.
The staffing changes come days after the union said inadequate staffing hindered the response to a fire.
The investigation into the fire will remain ongoing until further notice, officials said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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