Deadly Fall River Fire Exposes Failures in Assisted Living
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July 23, 2025
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KBD Attorneys
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Deadly Fall River Fire Exposes Failures in Assisted Living
On the night of July 13, 2025, tragedy struck Fall River, Massachusetts, when a devastating fire engulfed the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility, claiming the lives of nine residents, injuring over 30 others, and leaving the community in shock and mourning. The fire, which broke out around 9:30 p.m., rapidly consumed parts of the three-story building and led to one of the deadliest fires in Massachusetts in over 40 years (Boston Globe, July 13, 2025).
Despite the valiant efforts of Fall River firefighters, many residents—most of whom were elderly, disabled, or had limited mobility—were unable to escape. First responders, some without full breathing apparatus, were forced to kick down doors and pull people through windows. The conditions were chaotic, and the consequences catastrophic.
As of July 18, ten residents have been confirmed dead. Initially, it was reported that a tenth victim, Brenda Cropper, 66, had died from her injuries. However, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office issued a correction stating that she remains in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital (USA Today, July 18, 2025).
The Lives Lost
The victims of this horrific fire include:
- Rui Albernaz, 64
- Ronald Codega, 61
- Margaret Duddy, 69
- Robert King, 78
- Kim Mackin, 71
- Richard Rochon, 78
- Eleanor Willett, 86
- Joseph Wilansky, 77
- Halina Lawler, 70
Each of these individuals had a story, a life filled with meaning and community. Family members have described them with love and reverence. Richard Rochon, for instance, was a Vietnam War veteran remembered for his humor and strength by his niece, Stephanie Johnson.
Smoke, Sprinklers, and Staffing: What Went Wrong?
Many questions remain unanswered. The fire itself was confined to one section of the building, yet heavy smoke quickly spread throughout, causing disorientation and suffocation. According to Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, it remains unclear whether the smoke detectors and sprinkler system were functioning at the time of the blaze. Although the facility had passed its last inspection in October 2024, reports from staff and residents have revealed troubling details.
One certified nursing assistant, Debbie Johnson, who worked at Gabriel House for four years, described “disgusting” conditions: pest infestations, broken elevators, and generally poor maintenance. “They did not deserve those living quarters,” she said, referencing the many residents who lacked nearby family and proper advocacy.
Furthermore, the staffing concerns highlighted a growing problem across the elder care industry. Firefighters—about 50 in total, with 30 off-duty responding—struggled to manage the scale of the emergency. The International Association of Fire Fighters later stated that more fire engine personnel might have saved lives. Meanwhile, family members like Leo and Josette Johnson, who rushed to the facility to find their mother, described the fear and confusion of not knowing whether their loved ones had made it out alive.
The Broader Issue: Understaffing and Neglect in Assisted Living
This tragedy is not an isolated case. KBD Attorneys has long warned about the dangerous conditions in long-term care and assisted living facilities across the country. From facilities in Pennsylvania to North Carolina and Massachusetts, systemic understaffing, lax regulatory enforcement, and profit-first management have led to avoidable deaths, abuse, and horrific neglect.
KBD has previously represented clients in lawsuits involving:
- Deaths caused by neglect in nursing homes
- Residents who have experienced bedsores and other injuries because of neglect
- Falls, burns, and medication errors due to inadequate supervision
These tragic outcomes are a direct result of systemic indifference toward the most vulnerable members of our society. Facilities often cut corners, reduce staff, or neglect repairs—all while collecting significant fees from residents and their families.
KBD Attorneys: Advocating for Justice and Accountability
KBD Attorneys stands with the survivors and families affected by the Gabriel House fire. We are currently monitoring the ongoing investigation led by the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Section, the State Fire Marshall’s Office, and the Fall River Fire and Police Departments. We believe that every resident deserved better—better care, better conditions, and a better chance at survival.
KBD has a long history of representing victims of institutional neglect and abuse, including:
- Clergy abuse survivors in Pennsylvania
- Victims of psychiatric and residential home mistreatment
- Families of elderly patients who died in avoidable accidents due to staff failure
In each case, our team brings not only legal expertise, but also deep compassion and determination. We are not just seeking settlements—we’re demanding reform and accountability.
What Happens Next?
As of mid-July, displaced residents from Gabriel House are being relocated and connected with new facilities. Governor Maura Healey visited survivors, expressing both sympathy and urgency. But moving forward, Massachusetts—and the nation—must confront the structural failures that allowed this to happen in the first place.
Gabriel House, like many aging assisted living facilities, was entrusted with lives. That trust was broken. The fire may have been accidental, but the conditions that led to it were not.
KBD Attorneys will continue to investigate and explore all possible avenues for justice. If you or a loved one was affected by the Fall River fire, we encourage you to contact our team. We are here to listen, advocate, and hold those responsible fully accountable.
UPDATE: Survivors of the Gabriel House Fire Still Struggling
The Boston Globe has reported on where some of the surviving residents have gone after the fire.
After the tragic fire at Gabriel House that killed 10 residents, survivors remain scattered across Eastern Massachusetts — some as far as 60 miles away from their former home. Many are still without their belongings, unsure of where they’ll live next, and coping with severe trauma and grief.
Michael Pimentel, 72, escaped the fire by ripping out his second-story window and being carried down a ladder, losing his prosthetic leg in the process. He lost more than just his hearing aid and dentures — he lost his community. “It was a family,” he said. “Dysfunctional, but a family.”
Now, the 59 displaced residents are staying in 11 different care facilities, motels, and nursing homes. Several are without family support, living off Social Security, and terrified of ending up homeless after their temporary placements expire. Some survivors are still waiting to retrieve basic necessities like glasses, medications, and clothing.
Lorraine Ferrara, 71, does her makeup each morning in hopes of restoring some routine, but the sirens still bring her to tears. Another survivor, Todd Gluchacki, 46, said simply: “I have to start my life from the beginning.”
Their lives have been upended by a tragedy that destroyed not only a building but a fragile community that many relied on. And while the fire is no longer front-page news, for these survivors, the trauma and uncertainty continue every day.
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