Tragic Fire at Gabriel House Support Facility
Gabriel House, a 100-unit support facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, tragically caught fire on Sunday night, resulting in nine fatalities to date. Established in 1999, the facility featured tidy but outdated rooms, evident from photos shared on social media. Eleanor Willett, an 86-year-old resident, had hoped to enjoy some independence, even as her granddaughter, Holly Murrows, noted that Easier living centers weren’t her preference. Willett found herself caught in a difficult situation—too wealthy for Medicaid but unable to afford pricier assisted living options.
Willett was the oldest victim. She had devoted over two decades to working as a secretary and briefly served as a cocktail waitress. Her granddaughter described her home as a family gathering spot. “My mother worked a lot, and Grammys were always the place we called home,” said Marrows, who is now 45. She remembered her grandmother as a deeply religious and devoted Catholic. Willett’s decision to move to Gabriel House, located about 50 miles south of Boston, was driven by a desire for independence. “I was worried, you know, about her being home alone all day,” Marrows remarked.
Unfortunately, five firefighters sustained injuries while conducting rescue operations but were later released from the hospital.
Tributes to Victims
Next, let’s talk about Kim McKinn, a 71-year-old musician from Provincetown. Her nephew, Austin McKinn, shared that she had a successful career performing with orchestras in the Boston area. Described by her family as “a talent beyond words,” she had received a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music, ultimately touring globally as a first chair viola player. The family shared their deep sorrow, stating, “We’re all going to miss Kimmy. Beyond being so kind, few people know that she was an exceptional musician.”
Many residents who escaped the fire shared stories of the terrifying moments as smoke filled the building around 9:30 PM. While they praised the quick actions of firefighters and police, some also pointed out that staffing issues had been prevalent. Fall River, with its struggling economic state, houses approximately 94,000 residents and is known as one of the poorest cities in Massachusetts.
Remembering Richard Locon
Finally, there’s Richard Locon, aged 78, remembered by his niece, Breana Chestodio, who described him as “a very quiet man” with a warm heart. He had moved to Gabriel House about a year ago. Chestodio expressed concerns about the facility’s conditions, noting, “Every time you visited him, he was sweating. There is no air in the building.” She also mentioned infrequent sightings of staff, raising questions about care and oversight.
