1 Victim Found Dead In Aurora Heather Gardens Explosion, Fire

AURORA, CO – The senior residence community where a woman died in Friday's explosion and fire identified the woman who died there.

The body of Carol Ross, 82, was found in a patio home by investigators early Saturday morning at Aurora's Heather Gardens, a statement by Craig Baldwin, director and CEO said.

"The is a tragic loss and as friends and neighbors, members of the HGA and HGMD Boards want to express our deepest sympathy to her family and friends," Baldwin said.

Ross was found "unaccounted for" late Friday night and Aurora Fire Rescue asked for help for the Colorado Task Force One, an urban search and rescue team, the Aurora Fire Rescue said in a statement. Investigators found Ross in the early hours Saturday.

A firefighter and another resident were also sent to a hospital with minor injuries Friday night.

The fire was under control by 9 p.m., firefighters said.

Four buildings caught fire at the Heather Gardens retirement community. Xcel Energy workers had arrived on scene around 5:30 p.m. after construction workers reported smelling gas, said Laure Bridges, a spokesperson for the Aurora Fire Department. Residents reported hearing an explosion. Bridges said gas lines in the area had been shut off.

Destroyed was a one-story four-plex building and several other buildings were damaged at the complex at East Linvale Place near Interstate 225. Other buildings had broken windows and damage because of the explosion.

Residents from a high-rise on the property were evacuated after the gas was turned off.

The American Red Cross set up an emergency shelter in the community's clubhouse.

Residents can call 303-751-7811 to find out whether they can return to their homes, Bridges said.

Image via Aurora Police

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