Nine people died and more than 30 others were injured in a devastating fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, on July 13, 2025, making it the deadliest fire in the state since 1984.
The Fall River Fire Department responded to the facility on Oliver Street at approximately 9:50 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports of heavy smoke and flames. First responders arrived to find several residents trapped inside the building, with some hanging out of windows screaming for help.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon described the scene as extraordinary, stating that firefighters immediately began rescue operations while suppressing the fire. The blaze escalated to five alarms, drawing approximately 50 firefighters to the scene, including 30 who were off-duty at the time.
Chief Bacon characterized the incident as “an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community.” He indicated that at least 12 people were rescued via ladders, with dozens of total rescues performed by fire, police, and emergency medical services personnel.
The victims ranged in age from 61 to 86 years old. The Bristol County District Attorney’s office identified seven of the deceased as Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; Margaret Duddy, 69; Robert King, 78; Kim Mackin, 71; Richard Rochon, 78; and Eleanor Willett, 86. Two additional victims, a 70-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, were not publicly identified pending family notification.
Some victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while others died after being transported to hospitals. One person remained in critical condition as of Monday morning. The injured were taken to multiple facilities, including Saint Anne’s Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, and Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.
Five firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospitals, though all were released by Monday morning. The facility housed approximately 70 residents before the fire occurred.
Rescue operations proved challenging due to the vulnerability of the resident population and physical obstacles. Many residents required assistance with daily functions and mobility. Air conditioning units in windows complicated evacuation efforts, forcing firefighters to access some residents through small bathroom windows.
Resident Lorraine Ferrara described awakening to a neighbor pounding on her door and attempting to navigate through smoke-filled hallways. She retreated to her room and called for help through her window until a firefighter broke the glass and carried her down a ladder.
The building’s sprinkler system was activated during the incident, though officials have not confirmed its effectiveness. Fire damage was contained to one wing of the three-story facility, but smoke damage occurred throughout the entire building.
The fire’s origin and cause remain under investigation by Fall River police and fire officials, along with Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to both the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Bristol County District Attorney’s office. Officials indicated the cause does not appear suspicious at this time.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey visited the scene Monday morning and met with survivors. She emphasized that the death toll would have been significantly higher without the heroic efforts of first responders. Healey noted that many residents were immobile and disoriented during the emergency.
Gabriel House opened in 1999 as a non-profit assisted living facility with 100 single-bed units. The facility serves residents 55 and older, providing care for diabetic, incontinent, and non-ambulatory individuals. The property was built around 1964 and was last sold in December 1998 for $2.8 million.
The facility is owned by Gabriel Care Inc., which is owned by Dennis Etzkorn. In 2012, Etzkorn faced criminal charges for allegedly operating a $2 million kickback scheme involving healthcare providers, though the case was later dismissed. Officials reported that Etzkorn is cooperating with the current investigation.
The facility’s last official state inspection occurred on October 15, 2024, with certification scheduled to expire in October 2025. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan indicated that the facility had its annual inspection on July 8, 2025.
Displaced residents were relocated to the Timao Center on Bay Street, which serves as an emergency shelter facility. The city is working to provide clothing, personal items, and medications for survivors. A family notification center was established at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital, with families able to call 508-674-5741 for information.
