The number of people who died in the fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River has increased to ten after Brenda Cropper died on Friday. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office, led by DA Thomas Quinn, announced the update on Saturday. Cropper had been in critical condition since the fire last Sunday night. According to CBS News Boston, the 66-year-old had severe burns on more than half of her body and suffered multiple organ failure.
The Fall River community held a fundraising event on Friday night at St. John Banquet Hall to support survivors of the recent fire. Crystal Andrade, the daughter of one of the victims, said, "I just want the person that, the owner of the building to take accountability and apologize. Just to say sorry and to have empathy," in an interview with CBS News Boston. Investigators are looking into whether the fire was caused by smoking near an oxygen tank or issues with the building's sprinkler system. Governor Maura Healey said the state is working to improve emergency preparedness at Massachusetts' 273 assisted living facilities.
Police bodycam footage released on Thursday shows the search and rescue efforts during the Fall River fire. A miscommunication between the district attorney’s office and a medical agency led to the incorrect report of Darnell Cropper’s death, which was later corrected by District Attorney Quinn on Saturday. NBC Boston identified the nine other victims. Officials have set up several aid channels to support those affected.
