Victims Of Gabriel House Fire Identified As Investigation Continues

FALL RIVER, MA — The Bristol County District Attorney's Office has identified the seven of the nine men and women killed in Sunday night's fire at a Fall River assisted living facility.

The seven identified residents of Gabriel House who perished in the blaze are:

• Rui Albernaz, 64
• Ronald Codega, 61
• Margaret Duddy, 69
• Robert King, 78
• Kim Mackin, 71
• Richard Rochon, 78
• Eleanor Willett, 86

In addition, a 70-year-old female and a 77-year-old male died in the fire but their next-of-kin have yet to be identified.

The fire at the assisted living facility on Oliver Street broke out shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

"Upon arrival first responders found the front of the building to be covered in heavy smoke and flames with multiple occupants trapped inside and active fire alarms sounding," the Bristol DA's office said in a media release. "The fire quickly elevated to a five-alarm blaze and mutual aid was requested from surrounding communities."

About 30 Gabriel House residents and five firefighters were hospitalized, the state of Massacusetts said in a media release following the deadly blaze.

The Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Section assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Fall River Fire and Police Departments and state troopers assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the cause and origin of the fire, the release from the DA's office said, "However, the cause does not appear to be suspicious at this time."

"My heart goes out to all of the victims, their families and all of those impacted by this terrible tragedy," District Attorney Tom Quinn said in the release. "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.”